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Boca loses its defender: United States denies Ayrton Costa a visa ahead of the Club World Cup

The clock is ticking and alarm bells are ringing at Boca Juniors: Ayrton Costa will not be able to play in the Xeneize's debut in the Club World Cup. The defender, a key signing this season, has been unable to travel to the United States after receiving another refusal from the US immigration service to grant him a visa.

The situation, which had been dragging on for weeks, took a dramatic turn in the last few hours. With the debut against Benfica just around the corner — this Monday on US soil — the coaching staff is already beginning to accept that they will not be able to count on their left-back. There is no replacement in sight, and the club is urgently seeking alternatives so as not to start the tournament with a delicate gap in the defence.

According to sources close to the club, this is the third time Costa has tried unsuccessfully to obtain a visa. The first two applications were rejected, and now Boca has exhausted its last option: a third request to the US embassy in Argentina. At the same time, the club is also working through FIFA to obtain special permission for the player to enter the country on a temporary basis, at least for the duration of the tournament. But the deadlines are tight and the responses, so far, have been negative.

The saga has a history. Back in 2023, when Costa was playing for Independiente, he was denied entry to the United States. At the time, the reasons were unclear, but today the picture is becoming clearer — and more complicated.

Costa is linked to two court cases in Argentina. In one, he is mentioned as being close to those involved in a robbery case. In the other, much more serious case, his brother is the main defendant in a gender-based violence murder case. Costa, according to reports, was identified at the time as an alleged accomplice, although no formal charges have been filed against him and no legal proceedings have been brought against him. However, these blemishes on his record could be the reason why the US immigration authorities are standing firm in their refusal.

Those close to the player say that Costa is ‘calm and has a clear conscience,’ but the reality is that he will not be able to set foot in the United States if nothing changes between now and Sunday. Boca, for its part, is trying by all means to resolve a situation that not only harms the player's sporting career but also damages the club's image on the international stage.

Meanwhile, the Xeneize coach is considering alternatives for the defence. There are not many natural options to replace Costa, and the coaching staff is even considering rebuilding the back line or bringing in a youth player to complete the squad.

What is clear is that, three days before the debut, Boca already has its first confirmed loss, and it is more painful than any injury. Ayrton Costa's situation is a problem off the pitch, but with direct consequences on the pitch. An unexpected setback in a tournament in which Boca dreamed of competing on equal terms with the giants of world football.