By Dan Zendesha 

The United States government has issued a warning to international influencers and content creators ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, cautioning that earning money while in the country on a tourist visa could result in deportation and visa cancellation. The advisory targets creators who monetise content on platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook.

The United States government has cautioned foreign content creators and social media influencers planning to cover the 2026 FIFA World Cup that they risk deportation if they generate income while in the country on tourist visas.

According to statements provided by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to Spanish news agency EFE, foreign nationals entering the US on tourist visas are prohibited from engaging in activities considered employment, including earning income from content creation conducted within the country.

Authorities clarified that the B-2 tourist visa permits travel for leisure, tourism, family visits, and medical treatment but does not allow paid work or income-generating activities.

Officials stated that individuals whose primary purpose of visiting the United States is content creation that generates revenue from US-based sources may be considered to be working without proper authorisation.

The warning applies to creators who monetise content through platforms including YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. It also extends to journalists or media workers operating on tourist visas.

US authorities warned that violations could result in immediate visa cancellation, deportation, and restrictions on future entry into the country.

Immigration attorney Alex Galvez told EFE that individuals found violating visa conditions could lose their tourist visa status. However, he noted that legal arguments may arise in situations where content creators maintain business operations, account registrations, and payment arrangements outside the United States.

The advisory comes as the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, is expected to attract thousands of independent content creators seeking to document the tournament.

The debate surrounding immigration and media access has also widened beyond influencers. The International Sports Press Association recently raised concerns about visa restrictions affecting some journalists and media professionals seeking entry into the United States.