US Requires Work Visas for Foreign Influencers at 2026 World Cup
8 reported3 unconfirmed
According to a joint statement from Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Homeland Security, foreign influencers covering the 2026 World Cup in the United States will need a work visa to create monetized content on social media. The statement specifies that coming to the US solely to create content for earnings is considered work requiring an appropriate visa, and those without one could be violating immigration conditions. The 2026 World Cup will be hosted across 11 US cities, with 78 of 104 matches in the US. FIFA has agreements with TikTok and YouTube involving international creators, but it remains unclear if those influencers have the necessary documentation. A possible alternative for creators is the O-1 visa for individuals with “extraordinary ability,” which allows paid professional activities. Questions remain about how authorities will verify visas and monitor compliance.
What’s reported
CBP and DHS stated that creating content for monetization in the US requires a work visa.
The 2026 World Cup will have 78 of 104 matches in the US across 11 host cities.
FIFA has agreements with TikTok and YouTube for influencer participation.
YouTube’s global head of media and sports, Justin Connolly, described the creators’ role.
TikTok’s agreement includes 30 creators from 11 countries and 22 cities.
It is unclear if influencers in these programs have the necessary documentation.
The O-1 visa is a possible alternative for creators with “extraordinary ability.”
US authorities plan to reinforce inspections at airports and border crossings and monitor digital activity.
Open questions
Whether influencers included in FIFA’s agreements have the necessary visas.
How foreign influencers will be verified as having the appropriate visa.
Under what conditions the regulations will apply.
Key figures
Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
Justin Connolly, global head of media and sports at YouTube
FIFA
TikTok
Sources: Wired
