African fans face uncertain World Cup journey ahead of 2026 tournament

Fans from five African nations received a potential reprieve from the visa bond requirement for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States.

Five African Nations Given Visa Bond Reprieve Fans from five African nations, Algeria, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Senegal, and Tunisia, heading to the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have received a potential $15,000 reprieve, provided they already have a match ticket for the finals. The Trump administration confirmed this reprieve on Wednesday, exempting ticket-holding supporters from the requirement to post a visa deposit. This reprieve was part of a wider immigration crackdown by the White House aimed at reducing visa overstays. The five nations were among 50 countries swept up in the requirement introduced last year. ## Exemptions Apply to Ticket-Holding Supporters Only To have the bond requirement waived, ticket holders from affected countries must have registered with the online Fifa Pass system by 15 April. This system is intended to help ticket-holders get expedited visa appointments. US assistant secretary of state for consular affairs Mora Namdar stated, "We are waiving visa bonds for qualified fans who bought World Cup tickets." However, it is not clear if anyone from the five African countries who buys a last-minute match ticket will need to pay the visa deposit. ## Travel Restrictions Still in Place Supporters from Ivory Coast and Senegal still face partial restrictions under the Trump administration's ongoing travel ban. Those from these two West African countries who did not secure their visa before December will not be granted a visitor visa to travel to the US. In addition, travellers from Ivory Coast and Senegal will need visas to enter Canada for games in Toronto or Vancouver. Fans from Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Senegal all need visas to enter Canada for games in Toronto or Vancouver, with DR Congo, South Africa, and Tunisia playing at least one match in Mexico. ## Obstacles Remain for African Fans The cost of flights, accommodation, and internal transit is an immediate issue for those intending to travel from the continent. With the tournament taking place in three different countries, the majority of African fans will need to cross international borders during the group stage. Fans from Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Senegal all need visas to enter Canada for games in Toronto or Vancouver, with DR Congo, South Africa, and Tunisia playing at least one match in Mexico. The few tickets still available for the tournament opener between Mexico and South Africa are on sale for $3,840. ## Additional Challenges Ahead Late last year, the US government announced that tourists from dozens of countries could be required to provide a five-year social media history as a condition of entry. Rights groups have warned travellers that such policies could lead to denied entry, arrest risks, expanded travel restrictions, social media screening, racial profiling, and increased surveillance. A record 10 African sides will take part in the finals, but those hoping to cheer their team on in person will need deep pockets.