Boca Juniors suffered a major setback just days before the start of the 2025 Club World Cup: Ayrton Costa has been ruled out of the squad heading to the United States. The U.S. Embassy denied his visa application due to an unresolved 2018 criminal case involving attempted robbery, which is still pending a final probation ruling. The news was confirmed by outlets like TyC Sports and Olé following the official communication received by both player and club.

Failed attempts and confirmed absence

The left-footed defender had already been included on Boca’s official squad list and was training in Buenos Aires, hoping for a positive outcome. The club even appealed to FIFA for special consideration, but all efforts came up short. After three interviews at the embassy, his passport was held, and the visa was ultimately denied, ruling him out of the tournament.

With Costa unavailable and Marco Pellegrino sidelined due to injury, coach Miguel Ángel Russo now faces a defensive reshuffle. Marcos Rojo is expected to anchor the backline when Boca Juniors kicks off their campaign on Monday, June 16 against Benfica at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. Youngster Mateo Mendía could also step in as a left-sided center-back.

A key reinforcement out of the picture

Costa, 24, joined Boca earlier this year from Royal Antwerp in Belgium for a fee close to $3.5 million. He made a solid impression during his first few months in blue and gold, so his absence is a serious blow for the coaching staff just ahead of such a crucial tournament.

Boca Juniors’ final squad for the Club World Cup features 35 players, including Rojo, Mendía, Figal, and new signings like Malcom Braida and Pellegrino. Unfortunately, Ayrton Costa will now be watching from Buenos Aires as his teammates chase international glory on U.S. soil.