US immigration authorities mandate work visas for foreign influencers at 2026 World Cup
Foreign creators participating in TikTok and YouTube agreements face strict visa requirements as US authorities prepare to enforce new rules at borders and monitor digital activity.
US Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Homeland Security have issued a joint declaration stating that foreign influencers creating monetised content in the United States for the 2026 World Cup must hold appropriate work visas. The agencies clarified that entering the country with the sole purpose of generating earnings through content creation constitutes work, thereby requiring the correct visa status. This regulatory stance directly impacts FIFA’s recent agreements with social media platforms TikTok and YouTube, which involve dozens of international creators.
The 2026 World Cup is co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with the US hosting 78 of the 104 scheduled matches across 11 cities including Los Angeles, New York, Miami, Dallas, Houston, Seattle, Atlanta, and San Francisco. A joint study by FIFA and the World Trade Organization estimates 6.5 million attendees across the host countries, with approximately 3.7 million expected in the US. The influx of international visitors has prompted US authorities to reinforce inspections at airports and border crossings to enforce these new rules.
FIFA’s broadcasting strategy has expanded significantly through partnerships with TikTok and YouTube to increase the tournament's reach on social media. The agreement with TikTok involves 30 content creators from 11 countries across four continents, representing diverse voices and perspectives in languages and formats that resonate with global fans. YouTube’s global head of media and sports, Justin Connolly, previously stated that creators would have unprecedented access to matches and activities, providing tactical breakdowns and behind-the-scenes content.
Creators without valid work visas who receive income could be violating their immigration status. The B1/B2 visa, typically used for tourism or business, does not permit professional activities or remuneration for content creation. For creators who do not hold standard work visas, the O-1 visa for individuals with extraordinary ability in arts, business, science, or sports is identified as a potential alternative. This visa allows professional activities on US territory in exchange for remuneration, including commercial collaborations and production of content for profit.
It remains unclear whether the influencers included in these programs currently possess the necessary documentation to engage in paid activities in the United States. US authorities plan to monitor the digital activity of content creators suspected of violating immigration regulations. This enforcement comes amid broader scrutiny of FIFA, with New York and New Jersey attorneys-general previously subpoenaing the organisation regarding ticket sales and dynamic pricing structures.
