As the US prepares to host the bulk of matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup , a newly expanded visa policy could make it significantly harder—and more expensive—for some international fans to attend. The State Department has broadened its “visa bond” program to a total of 50 countries, including several whose national teams are expected to compete in the tournament this summer. The move is designed to curb visa overstays, but with bonds reaching as high as $15,000, it’s also raising questions about who will realistically be able to enter the US for one of the world’s biggest sporting events . Here’s what to know. What is the visa bond program, and how does it work? The visa bond program functions, in essence, like a security deposit that’s layered on top of the standard visa process. It applies to visitors applying for a B-1 (business) or B-2 (tourism) visa—whether or not they are required to post a visa bond is then determined during their consular interview.…