A deposit amount for visas has been set for footballers heading to the World Cup.
Citizens of five countries heading to the World Cup taking place in the United States in 2026 will be required to assume additional financial responsibility during the visa application process for entry into America. Zamin.uz reported on this matter.
This situation is directly linked to a special guarantee payment system implemented earlier this year. According to the prominent publication The Athletic, the US government is requiring a special bond amount from citizens of 50 countries holding business and tourist visas.
This amount averages between $10,000 and $15,000 USD. If the traveler departs the country on time after their visa expires, the paid bond will be refunded.
The national teams of Algeria, Cape Verde, Senegal, and Côte d'Ivoire fall precisely within the scope of this program. Despite having secured the right to participate in the World Cup, players and staff from these countries are facing difficulties in obtaining visas.
Furthermore, starting April 2, this rule will also come into full force for citizens of Tunisia. Currently, this plan does not provide any special exemptions for participants in international sporting competitions.
This situation has caused serious concern not only among football federations but also among team members, and the issue was discussed at seminars held to prepare for the World Cup. Currently, the International Federation of Association Football is trying to convince US authorities.
They are requesting the cancellation of the guarantee payment for players, coaching staff, and federation leaders. If the US government accepts this proposal, the exemption will apply only to individuals included in the team roster.
However, the obligation to pay the guarantee fee for players' family members and fans will remain in effect. According to experts, this situation once again proves how important interstate agreements are for the successful conduct of international sporting events.
The topic is also of serious importance to the general public, as such significant financial expenses will become a key factor in planning for many families. Source: The Athletic
