Argentina s Boca youth star may not be able to play in the US FFC Cup due to visa issues

Just as the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is about to kick off in the United States, the Argentine giant Boca youth suffered a major blow: the team's main central defender Ailton Costa is very likely to be unable to go to the United States to participate due to visa issues.

On the eve of the group stage start against Benfica on June 17, Costa’s third U.S. visa application has not been approved yet. According to Argentine media reports, the defender has been rejected by the U.S. immigration department at least twice, the most recent of which occurred in 2023, when he played for the Independence team.

Although Boca Youth has actively communicated and coordinated with the US Embassy in Buenos Aires and is looking forward to FIFA intervening to provide solutions, such as applying for a temporary work permit for it, it seems that the possibility of Costa catching up with this event is still very slim.

It is reported that the main reason why the United States refused to issue visas was that Costa involved two legal cases that had not yet been closed: one was that he was accused of having close ties with a group of robbery suspects; the other was another murder case involving domestic violence, in which his elder brother was the first defendant, and Costa himself was also listed as one of the co-involved parties.

Although no formal prosecution or judgment has been directed at Costa himself, these pending legal doubts are enough to allow the U.S. authorities to take a prudent stance.

If Costa ultimately misses the game, it will have a serious impact on the Boca youth's defense. Especially in the face of Portuguese powerhouse Benfica, which has excellent technology and fast offensive pace, the problem of tight defense will be more prominent. This is undoubtedly a severe test for coach Miguel Angel Russo - how to adjust tactics and find alternatives in a short period of time will become the key to the team's preparations.