World Cup 2026: The $15,000 Visa Barrier Facing African Supporters—and Why It Matters

Reports that some African fans may need to spend up to $15,000 to secure U.S. travel documents for the 2026 World Cup highlight a widening gap between global football’s promise and the realities of cross-border travel. As the tournament heads to North America, the cost and complexity of visas risk turning one of sport’s biggest celebrations into an event many loyal supporters can only watch from home.