US Visa Deposit Policy Raises Concerns Ahead of 2026 World Cup
A new U.S. immigration policy is causing concern ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as certain visitors may now be required to pay a refundable visa deposit of up to $15,000 before entering the country.
The “Visa Bond Pilot Program,” which targets some tourist and business visa applicants, has sparked particular worry because five qualified national teams — Algeria, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Senegal, and Tunisia — are from countries affected by the rule.
Reports indicate that there are currently no exemptions for professional athletes, meaning players, coaches, and team officials could be asked to pay the deposit before participating in the tournament. Although the money is refunded once visitors leave the U.S. as required, the financial burden and added paperwork have raised concerns.
Critics say the policy treats footballers the same as regular travellers, which could complicate logistics, especially with matches scheduled across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
FIFA has reportedly opened discussions with U.S. authorities, seeking exemptions for official teams and delegations to ensure the competition runs smoothly.
However, while players and officials may eventually be granted waivers, fans from the affected countries are unlikely to receive similar concessions. This has led to fears that the vibrant and diverse atmosphere typically associated with the World Cup could be affected by the high cost of entry.
