Ahead of the 2026 world cup, the United States, Wednesday, said it would ease its system of demanding bond payments from visa applicants for certain fans seeking to come for the World Cup.
Recall that under one of President Donald Trump’s many initiatives to crack down on migration, the United States has begun asking people from 50 developing countries to hand over anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000 for a US visa, refundable once they return home.
The State Department said it would waive the bonds for team members competing in World Cup matches in the United States, as well as for fans from competing countries who already have tickets and signed up for a priority system set up for visas.
“We remain committed to strengthening US national security priorities while facilitating legitimate travel for the upcoming World Cup tournament,” said Mora Namdar, the assistant secretary of state for consular affairs.
She said the Trump administration wanted to organize the “biggest and best FIFA World Cup in history.”
“Today’s announcement from the US State Department further demonstrates our ongoing collaboration with the US Government and the White House Task Force for the FIFA World Cup to deliver a successful, record-breaking, and unforgettable global event,” a FIFA spokesperson said in a statement.
FDA Commissioner Marty Makary (2L) speaks before US President Donald Trump signs an executive order in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on April 18, 2026.
Five countries that qualified for the World Cup are among those whose nationals are required to pay visa bonds: Algeria, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Senegal, and Tunisia.
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At least two other countries that have qualified for the soccer showcase have seen nearly total bans on entry into the United States under Trump: Haiti, the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere, and Iran, which the United States and Israel attacked on February 28.
The Trump administration has also sharply expanded scrutiny for visitors from friendly Western countries, requiring them to provide access for the US government to look through their social media postings.
The World Cup, which kicks off June 11, is being co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
- Aljazeera
