Donald Trump 'pressed' by FIFA to make exception ahead of World Cup

FIFA have called on US President Donald Trump and his administration to make exceptions for players who will be forced to pay a bond to enter the United States for this summer's World Cup.

As part of its crackdown on immigration, the Trump administration has introduced a ‘Visa Bond Pilot Program’ that will impact 50 countries as of April 2, 2026.

The policy targets travellers from countries with historically higher rates of visa overstays, according to the department’s temporary final rule.

Nationals from these 50 countries who want to enter the United States on a business or tourist VISA will be required to pay up to $15,000 (£11,200) in bonds.

Bonds will be returned to visa recipients who return home in compliance with the terms of the visa and the bond, or ​do not travel in the first place, according to a State ​Department official who spoke to Reuters.

Out of the 50 countries impacted, five will compete at this summer's World Cup – Algeria, Cape Verde, Senegal, Ivory Coast and Tunisia.

US President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Image credit: Getty

Since January this year, the policy has impacted those from Algeria, Cape Verde, Senegal and the Ivory Coast, while Tunisia were among the countries added to the list this month.

As a result, fans, players, coaches and support staff, as well as federation executives, from those nations are set to be impacted as they travel to the United States for this summer's tournament.

It is not stated within the terms of the ‘Visa Bond Pilot Program’ whether exceptions can be made, but it does say there is “no procedure” to apply for waivers of the bond.

However, FIFA are 'privately pressing' the Trump administration to make exemptions for players, according to The Athletic.

The report goes on to claim that neither the State Department nor FIFA took the opportunity to rule out that players from the designated countries would be required to pay the bonds.