A new immigration policy tied to the administration of Donald Trump could really limit access to the 2026 World Cup for fans from several African countries.
Under the policy, travellers from certain countries will be required to pay a visa bond of up to $15,000 before entering the United States. It will serve as a security deposit and will be refunded only after the visitor leaves the country in line with visa rules.
The measure applies to holders of B-1 and B-2 visas, typically used by tourists and business travellers. 
Countries Affected
Algeria, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, and Tunisia are among those affected.
While not all of their matches will be played in the US, fans hoping to follow their teams across host countries could face steep financial barriers.
Tunisia is set to play one match in the US; Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire will each play two games in the US; Algeria and Cape Verde will play their matches in Mexico.
For many supporters, especially those hoping for a full tournament experience, the policy could make travel plans significantly more complicated or completely unrealistic.
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Why Is This Being Done?
The visa bond system was first introduced as a pilot programme in late 2025, targeting countries considered at higher risk for visa overstays, many of which are in Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, and parts of Asia.
Officials say the bonds are intended to ensure compliance with visa terms, acting as a financial guarantee that visitors will return home after their stay.
The Impact on African Fans
The required deposit ranges from $5,000 to $15,000 and exceeds the average annual income in many of the affected countries. And the bond is just one part of the cost.
Fans must also contend with:
- Expensive match tickets
- High accommodation costs in host cities
- Visa processing delays
- Heightened immigration enforcement presence in US cities
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted across the US, Mexico, and Canada, kicks off on June 11 and will conclude on July 19 at MetLife Stadium.
For many African fans, this new policy may may in between their plans to watch their countries play live.
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