• The United States has relaxed visa bond requirements for some World Cup travelers ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup
• The waiver applies to competing teams and eligible fans who already possess match tickets and joined a priority visa system
• Mora Namdar of the US State Department said the government aims to balance national security with smooth travel arrangements for the tournament

The United States has announced a temporary relaxation of its visa bond policy for certain football fans and participants travelling for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The move comes after concerns that strict visa requirements could prevent supporters from several developing nations from attending the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico.

As part of President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown measures, the US recently introduced a system requiring visa applicants from 50 developing countries to pay refundable bonds ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 before obtaining entry visas.

However, the US State Department said on Wednesday that the bond requirement would not apply to players, officials, and team members participating in World Cup matches in the United States.

The waiver will also cover fans from qualified countries who already possess match tickets and have enrolled in a priority visa processing system established for the tournament.

“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 added that the Trump administration was determined to organise the “biggest and best FIFA World Cup in history.”

World football governing body FIFA welcomed the announcement, describing it as part of ongoing cooperation between tournament organizers and the US government.

“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.

Among the countries whose citizens are subject to the visa bond requirement are five nations that have already qualified for the World Cup: Algeria, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Senegal, and Tunisia.

The report also noted that at least two other qualified countries, Haiti and Iran, are facing severe travel restrictions under Trump-era immigration measures.

In addition to the bond policy, the Trump administration has reportedly intensified screening procedures for visitors from several allied Western nations, including requests for access to applicants’ social media activity.

A study conducted by the Mendoza Law Firm warned that Haiti could struggle to have fans travel to support its national team because of the restrictions.

The study further stated that in the five qualified African nations affected by the bond policy, the $15,000 requirement represents nearly three years of average income for many citizens.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to begin on June 11 and will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

FIFA World Cup 2026: New Jersey cuts match transport prices after backlash

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that transport fares for fans attending matches at the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 have been reduced following widespread criticism over the high cost of travelling to venues in the United States.

Authorities have now revised the transport costs downward after fans described the earlier fares as unreasonable.

Train ticket prices were reduced from $98, while shuttle bus fares were also slashed from $20.