Argentine Defender Denied U.S. Visa Ahead of FIFA Club World Cup

With just over a month until the start of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 in the United States, Boca Juniors faces a major hurdle: central defender Ayrton Costa has been repeatedly denied entry visas to the U.S., severely jeopardizing his availability for the tournament.

The 25-year-old Argentine’s situation is compounded by his criminal record. His visa rejections are tied to a June 2018 incident in which Costa, his brother, and another individual were accused of robbing a residence in Bernal Oeste, near Buenos Aires. Although detained at the time, they were not formally arrested since stolen property was recovered, and no weapons were involved. Costa subsequently received probation ("conditional liberty" or "robo calificado en poblado y en banda") to avoid prosecution—a status that now complicates his U.S. visa prospects. The situation has been further complicated by his brother’s 2023 arrest for the murder of his partner.

Boca Juniors was aware of this legal history before signing Costa. Reports indicate he previously applied for a visa while playing for Independiente without disclosing his probation, which may have worsened his current difficulties. U.S. authorities rejected his latest application at the end of 2024 and again at the start of 2025. A final attempt, submitted just days before the tournament, also yielded a negative response.

Facing this impasse, Boca Juniors has appealed to FIFA for assistance in resolving the situation. According to journalist Christian Infanzon, FIFA is expected to support Boca’s request and will intervene with U.S. authorities to secure the necessary visa.

The club’s goal, if possible, is to obtain an interim measure allowing Costa to travel solely for the duration of the tournament.

The potential absence of Costa would deal a significant blow to Boca Juniors. The left-footed defender is considered a pivotal part of the defense and has been a "highly used" player, featuring in 10 matches since joining the club in 2025. Losing him could force major adjustments to the team’s defensive strategy ahead of its Group C opener.

The tournament kicks off on June 14, 2025, with Boca Juniors in Group C alongside Bayern Munich, Benfica, and Auckland City. Boca Juniors’ tournament debut is scheduled for June 16 in Miami against Benfica.

Boca Juniors fans express concern over Costa’s visa denial.

Despite tight deadlines, Boca Juniors is urgently seeking a definitive response from U.S. authorities given the tournament’s proximity. However, final approval rests solely with the United States. If the visa refusal is upheld, the club must explore alternatives and potentially recruit another left-footed center-back to adjust its roster before the competition begins.

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