World Cup 2026: African fans face issues despite $15,000 visa bond being waived
The cost of flights, accommodation and internal transit is an immediate issue for those intending to travel from the continent.With the tournament taking place in three different countries, the majority of African fans will need to cross international borders during the group stage - with only Algeria, Cape Verde and Morocco based in the USA for the entirety of the group stage.Fans from Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast and Senegal all need visas to enter Canada for games in Toronto or Vancouver, with DR Congo, South Africa and Tunisia playing at least one match in Mexico.Then come the price of tickets, which are sky-high.Some $600 (£444) seats were available for Egypt's game against Belgium via Fifa's official site on Thursday, but those were the only ones on the market under $1,170 (£866) for any of the first 10 games featuring an African side.The few tickets still available for the tournament opener between Mexico and South Africa are on sale for $3,840 (£2,840).But Fifa's resale platform features vastly inflated prices - with two category three tickets, in the top tier of the stadium hosting that first match in Mexico City, being offered for a staggering $34,500 (£25,550) each.Late last year, the US government also announced that tourists from dozens of countries could be required to provide a five-year social media history as a condition of entry - another immigration policy that could affect visitors during the World Cup.Rights groups have warned travellers that such policies could lead to denied entry, arrest risks, expanded travel restrictions, social media screening, racial profiling and increased surveillance.A record 10 African sides will take part in the finals, but those hoping to cheer their team on in person will need deep pockets.
