Visa hurdles leave World Cup fans shut out of United States | OneFootball

With the World Cup days away, many supporters, often from African or Asian nations, have accepted they will miss the United States because they failed to secure visas despite holding match tickets.

Senegal fan Babacar had planned to be in New York in 10 days to see Senegal face France on 16 June, 21:00, but he abandoned the trip over a process he found complex and costly, including a steep bond. According to L'Équipe, residents of about 50 countries assessed as overstay risks have faced especially onerous requirements, including a deposit of up to 13,000 euros.

FIFA’s late intervention eased that bond, removing it for visitors whose national team play in the US and for ticket holders registered on the FIFA Pass, yet many had already been deterred. Tunisian fan Khali noted visas often take months, and saw the change as little more than an attempt to appear welcoming.

For some, even persistence was not enough. Uzbek supporter Oston bought tickets with his father and friends, whose visas were granted, but his repeated applications were refused despite a previous US visit three years ago without trouble.

US authorities, in line with Donald Trump’s migration approach, tightened screening amid fears of mass illegal immigration during the tournament and potential overstays. Officials have examined travel history, family situation, social media and salary, looking for signs a visitor might remain after expiry.

Eric, of Gabonese origin, was told leaving his job six months ago counted against him. He spent 1,700 euros on Portugal v Colombia to see Cristiano Ronaldo’s last World Cup, and nearly 200 euros per application, then resold his ticket to an American in Miami.

Source: L'Équipe