The United States has scrapped a controversial $15,000 (£11,000) visa deposit requirement for football fans from 50 countries attending the 2026 World Cup, as long as they hold valid match tickets.

The decision brings major relief to fans from five African nations that have qualified for the tournament Algeria, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Senegal, and Tunisia. The 2026 World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with the opening match scheduled for 11 June.

“We are waiving visa bonds for qualified fans who bought World Cup tickets,” Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs, Mora Namdar, told the BBC.

The visa bond policy was introduced last year as a measure to curb visa overstays. Under the original rule, travellers from certain countries were required to pay a refundable $15,000 deposit, which would be returned after they left the United States.

While players and team officials were already exempt, the new waiver now extends to fans holding valid match tickets. The requirement had been part of a 12-month pilot programme launched in August as part of wider immigration controls.

FIFA has welcomed the decision, describing it as a sign of strong cooperation with US authorities to help deliver a successful 2026 World Cup.

However, several restrictions remain in place. Citizens from Iran and Haiti are still barred from entering the United States, though athletes and team officials are exempt for World Cup-related travel. Ivory Coast and Senegal are also subject to partial travel restrictions under expanded rules.

Separately, US authorities have proposed requiring some visa applicants to submit up to five years of social media history, a requirement that could impact many World Cup visitors.

Rights groups have expressed concern that the stricter immigration measures could result in higher rates of entry denials, increased surveillance, and potential discrimination against certain travellers.