The United States government has announced a relaxation of its controversial visa bond policy for certain supporters attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Fans from five qualifying nations—Algeria, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Senegal, and Tunisia—who possess match tickets will no longer be required to pay a refundable bond ranging from $5,000 to $15,000. This policy was initially introduced during President Donald Trump’s administration to mitigate visa overstays. The change aims to facilitate legitimate travel while ensuring national security, as stated by Mora Namdar, the assistant secretary of state for consular affairs. However, fans from Haiti and Iran, both of which have also qualified for the tournament, still face significant travel restrictions. Rights groups have expressed concerns that the stringent visa environment could deter international attendance at the World Cup, which starts on June 11, 2026, and will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.