Samba, Stamps and Seleção: Moving Football Across South America | #FragomenFC - Ep. 14
February 9, 2026

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Football is one of the world’s most global sports, relying on the ability to move players, coaches and support staff quickly and compliantly across borders. Behind every transfer, tournament and training camp is an immigration framework that can either enable movement — or create unexpected barriers.
In Fragomen FC – Episode 14, Partners Gustavo Kanashiro and Rick Lamanna, Senior Associate Jake Paul Minster and Senior Manager Sergio Flores examine how immigration systems across the Americas shape football mobility throughout South America and beyond.
The conversation explores:
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How differing immigration regimes across North, Central and South America impact player movement and staffing decisions
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Visa strategy and work authorization considerations for professional players, technical staff and club personnel
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Compliance risks associated with short-term travel, tournaments and multi-country competitions
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The operational realities clubs and organizations face when planning transfers, tours and regional competitions
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Why early planning and coordinated mobility strategies are essential to keeping football operations moving
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This episode offers practical insights for clubs, federations and organizations navigating cross-border movement in one of the world’s most dynamic sporting environments.
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