Foreign content creators planning to travel to the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been warned to understand immigration rules before producing online material during their stay.
U.S. immigration authorities have reminded influencers and digital creators that entering the country on a B-2 tourist visa does not allow them to work or earn money from content created while physically inside the United States.
The warning comes as millions of football fans prepare to travel for the tournament, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Many creators are expected to visit host cities to record videos, livestream matches, share fan experiences and publish content on platforms such as YouTube, TikTok and Facebook.
However, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has stated that producing content for financial gain while in the country on a tourist visa may be considered unauthorized work.
Authorities explained that visitors using a B-2 visa are allowed to enter the U.S. for tourism and other permitted activities but cannot engage in employment or activities that generate income from work carried out in the country.
The restriction could affect thousands of independent football creators who often rely on advertising revenue, sponsorship deals and partnerships linked to their online platforms.
Creators who plan to make the World Cup their source of income during their visit may need to obtain the appropriate work authorization or visa category before travelling.
Immigration officials have warned that those who violate visa conditions could face serious consequences, including cancellation of their permission to stay, removal from the United States and possible difficulties when applying for future entry.
The announcement has created discussions among the global creator community, with many questioning how traditional immigration rules apply to the modern digital economy, where a person can create content from anywhere in the world and earn money online.
The 2026 World Cup is expected to be one of the most digitally covered sporting events in history, with thousands of journalists, influencers and independent creators seeking to share behind-the-scenes experiences with audiences worldwide.
