The United States has warned foreign social media influencers and content creators planning to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup that earning money from content produced while on a tourist visa could lead to deportation and other immigration penalties.
In an email statement to Spanish news agency EFE on Wednesday, the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said foreign nationals entering the country on B-2 tourist visas are not permitted to work or receive payment for activities carried out in the United States.
The advisory comes as the World Cup approaches across the United States, Canada and Mexico, with thousands of creators expected to travel to North America to cover matches for audiences on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and Facebook.
US authorities said content creation becomes a visa violation when it is the main purpose of a visit and generates income while the person is physically present in the country.
“Having the sole purpose of the visit be content creation (as an influencer), thereby generating income from U.S. sources while in the country, is considered work and requires the appropriate visa,” CBP and DHS said in a joint statement.
Officials added that visitors under the B-2 category who receive income from US sources could be in breach of their entry conditions. The visa is intended for tourism, family visits and medical treatment and does not allow paid work.
They warned that violations could lead to visa cancellation, deportation and restrictions on future entry into the United States.
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The warning is expected to affect independent digital creators planning to document the tournament, which has become one of the biggest global platforms for online sports coverage and brand partnerships.
CBP also stated that working for a media organisation while on a tourist visa is not allowed under the same rules.
Immigration lawyer Alex Galvez, speaking to EFE, said individuals who breach visa conditions risk losing their status, though some cases could be challenged if income and accounts are based outside the United States.
The advisory adds to a growing list of immigration-related issues around the tournament. In recent days, Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry into the United States despite being appointed by FIFA as one of the tournament officials, while Iran’s football federation also raised concerns over changes to supporter ticket allocations for the group stage.
The expanded 48-team World Cup will run from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
