May 13, (THEWILL) — The United States has announced a major relaxation of its visa policy for selected football fans, players and officials travelling for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, easing concerns that strict immigration measures could affect participation in the global tournament.
The latest adjustment follows widespread criticism of a new immigration policy introduced under President Donald Trump, which required travellers from about 50 developing countries to pay refundable visa bonds ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 before entering the US.
Under the revised arrangement, the US State Department said football players, team officials and supporters from participating nations who already possess valid World Cup tickets and are enrolled in a priority visa programme will no longer be required to pay the controversial bond.
The move is expected to provide relief for thousands of football supporters, particularly from developing countries, who had expressed fears that the visa bond requirement could prevent them from attending the tournament.
Speaking on the development, Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs, Mora Namdar, said the US government remains committed to ensuring a smooth and secure World Cup experience.
“We remain committed to strengthening US national security priorities while facilitating legitimate travel for the upcoming World Cup tournament,” Namdar stated, adding that the Trump administration was determined to deliver what it described as the “biggest and best FIFA World Cup in history.”
Football governing body, FIFA, also welcomed the policy adjustment, describing it as part of ongoing cooperation between football authorities and the US government ahead of the global showpiece.
The development is particularly significant for African countries that have already qualified for the tournament, including Algeria, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Senegal and Tunisia, all of which were among nations initially affected by the broader visa bond policy.
The report also noted that Haiti and Iran, two other countries that have qualified for the World Cup, continue to face stricter US entry restrictions under separate immigration measures.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to begin on June 11, 2026, and will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
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