A $15,000 deposit required for some African fans at the 2026 World Cup

Known as the “Visa Bond Pilot Program”, this measure is mandatory for obtaining a tourist visa to enter the United States.

It is a measure that is already causing concern in Africa ahead of the 2026 World Cup. According to reports from The Athletic, the payment of this bond affects several major African football nations.

Senegal, Ivory Coast, Algeria and Cape Verde, all of which have qualified for the World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico are affected. Tunisia will be added to this list from 2 April 2026. This decision could significantly reduce the number of African fans attending the tournament.

The aim of this measure is reportedly to limit the risk of people overstaying their visas in the United States. However, the measure does not stop at ordinary supporters. Players from the countries concerned could also be affected by this US administration policy, as business visas also fall under this framework.