Fans from some African countries participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be required to deposit $15,000 in bond payments to obtain a tourist visa to enter the United States.

According to The Athletic, the challenges have arisen because nationals from certain countries traveling to the US on business or tourist visas (B-1 and B-2) have been subjected to bond payments following policy changes introduced by President Donald Trump’s administration.

The “Visa Bond Pilot Program” applies to 50 countries, five of which have qualified for the World Cup, making entry into the US problematic for their fans.

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The policy has affected nationals from Algeria, Cape Verde, Senegal, and the Ivory Coast since it took effect on January 2, 2026. Tunisia, another World Cup participant, will be added to the list from April 2.

The program does not outline any exemptions for athletes competing in major sporting events such as the World Cup.

Reports indicate that officials from the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) are privately pressing the Trump administration to make exemptions for players and possibly supporters.

FIFA is yet to officially communicate how US authorities will handle fans from the affected African countries.

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