As excitement builds ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the United States government has issued a strong warning to foreign influencers and content creators planning to cover the tournament.
Authorities say anyone entering the country on a tourist visa and earning money from content created while in the US could face serious consequences, including deportation and future travel bans.According to US immigration officials, creating content for profit while visiting on a tourist visa is considered work and requires the appropriate visa.
They stressed that tourist visas are meant for vacations, family visits, medical treatment, and other leisure activities, not for income-generating activities.
The warning applies to creators who monetize content on platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. Officials also noted that working for a media organization while on a tourist visa is prohibited.Immigration lawyer Alex Galvez explained that influencers who receive payments outside the United States or operate accounts registered in their home countries may have grounds to challenge certain cases, though visa violations can still put their travel status at risk.
The advisory comes as the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19, is expected to attract thousands of independent content creators from around the world.Concerns over visa restrictions have already surfaced in the lead-up to the tournament.
The International Sports Press Association recently raised concerns after some journalists reportedly faced difficulties obtaining entry into the US.In another high-profile case, popular TikTok star Khaby Lame was detained at a Las Vegas airport in 2025 after allegedly overstaying his visa and later left the country voluntarily.
US immigration authorities have also confirmed that security and immigration enforcement measures will be in place at World Cup venues as part of broader efforts to monitor compliance with immigration laws during the tournament.
