US drops $15,000 visa deposit requirement for World Cup ticket holders

The United States government has scrapped a $15,000 visa bond that was previously required from foreign fans holding tickets to the 2026 World Cup.

The decision, announced on Thursday, May 14, 2026, removes a significant financial barrier that had threatened to limit international attendance at the tournament, which the US is co-hosting alongside Canada and Mexico.

The deposit requirement had been widely criticised by football governing body FIFA and tourism stakeholders, who argued it would deter millions of potential visitors. Critics described the levy as prohibitive for ordinary fans from countries including Ghana and other African nations, where securing such a large bond was unrealistic for most travellers.

Under the new arrangement, foreign ticket holders will still be required to obtain the necessary travel authorisation but will no longer face the $15,000 financial guarantee. The US administration cited revised security assessments and improved visa screening technologies as factors enabling the policy shift.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who had personally lobbied for the removal of the deposit, welcomed the development. “Football is for everyone,” Mr Infantino said. “This decision ensures the World Cup remains accessible to genuine fans from every corner of the globe.”

The 2026 World Cup will be the first edition of the tournament to feature 48 teams and 104 matches across 16 host cities. With the removal of the visa deposit, organisers expect a significant surge in international ticket sales, particularly from Africa, Europe and South America.

The US government has not indicated whether the policy change will apply beyond the World Cup period.