- The United States has warned foreign influencers attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup that creating content for profit while on tourist visas could be considered unauthorized employment.
- Authorities say violators risk deportation if they generate income from content produced during their stay without the appropriate work authorization.
The U.S. government has issued a cautionary notice to international social media influencers eyeing the 2026 FIFA World Cup, emphasizing that generating content for profit while on a tourist visa might lead to deportation.
The World Cup, scheduled for a grand start on June 11, will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This highly anticipated event is expected to draw millions of visitors, including content creators, vloggers, and influencers from across the globe.
Reports indicate that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has made it clear that those entering the country with tourist visas are prohibited from engaging in activities considered as employment without the necessary permits.
This advisory specifically targets influencers who intend to visit the U.S. aiming to produce content that earns revenue on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, among others.
U.S. officials have remarked that making money from content creation while on a tourist visa may be deemed unauthorized work, which is a violation of visa regulations.
“Coming to the United States with the sole purpose of creating content (as an influencer), thereby generating earnings from the United States while in the country, is considered work and requires the appropriate visa.
“People who enter the United States under a visitor program and receive income from a U.S. source would be violating the conditions of their admission status.”
The development comes as preparations intensify for the expanded FIFA World Cup, which will feature 48 nations and 104 matches across 16 cities in North America.
The announcement has sparked discussions among influencers and digital creators, many of whom are expected to travel to cover matches, fan experiences, and tournament-related events.
While the U.S. government maintains that the measure is aimed at enforcing immigration and employment regulations, questions remain about how the policy will be implemented and whether it could affect content creators attending the tournament.