The Trump administration made a big decision that directly affects the World Cup, and FIFA has just released a statement about it.
The US government has made an important decision that will affect FIFA World Cup fans ahead of the 2026 tournament.
As the current soccer season wraps up, people are getting excited for what promises to be the biggest World Cup ever.
This expanded event will feature 48 teams playing 104 matches across three host countries: the US, Canada, and Mexico.
But there have been some concerns.
People have wondered if Iran will be able to take part, given its tense relationship with the US. After months of doubt, it looks like Iran will still join the competition.
There are also worries about the players’ health because the weather might get very hot during the games.
Earlier, fans and players traveling to the US were worried about a new visa policy. The program required some visitors to pay a bond of $5,000 to $15,000 to get a visa. This rule came from a policy set by President Trump’s administration.
The Visa Bond Pilot Program affected 50 countries, including five that are going to the World Cup: Algeria, Cape Verde, Senegal, Ivory Coast, and Tunisia. The idea was to make sure visitors left the US on time.
On April 27, The Athletic shared that visa applicants had to prove they qualified for entry, but those who left the US when they were supposed to could get their bond money back. People were also worried that players might have to follow this same rule because no exceptions were mentioned.
However, the US State Department later said they are not requiring bonds from players, coaches, or support staff who meet all entry requirements.
And on May 13, the US government announced they would also waive these bonds for fans who bought World Cup tickets and signed up with FIFA PASS before April 15, 2026, according to a statement to Al Jazeera.
Mora Namdar, the US Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs, said they want to keep US security strong while making it easier for real fans to travel to the World Cup.
The State Department also made it clear that visitors with tickets will still go through the regular visa process.
The tournament kicks off on June 11, with Mexico hosting South Africa in Mexico City.
FIFA responded to the news with a statement saying, “Today’s announcement from the U.S. State Department shows how well we are working together with the government and the White House Task Force to make this a successful and unforgettable event.
We thank the administration for their support. With less than 30 days to go, the excitement for the FIFA World Cup is growing fast as we get ready to welcome the world to North America.”