The United States will require foreign influencers covering the 2026 FIFA World Cup to obtain a work visa if they intend to monetize their social media content, according to a joint statement by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The policy directly impacts FIFA's broadcasting strategy, which includes agreements with dozens of international creators on platforms such as TikTok and YouTube.
Policy Details
In a statement to El País, CBP and DHS said: "coming to the United States with the sole purpose of creating content (as an influencer), thereby generating earnings from the United States while in the country, is considered work and requires the appropriate visa." Influencers without a work visa who receive income risk violating the conditions of their immigration status. The 2026 World Cup will be hosted across three countries, with the United States staging 78 of the 104 matches in 11 cities: Los Angeles, New York, Miami, Dallas, Houston, Seattle, Atlanta, and San Francisco.
Attendee and Market Impact
A study by FIFA and the World Trade Organization (WTO) estimates that approximately 6.5 million people will attend tournament matches across host countries. The United States will account for more than half of that figure, with about 3.7 million attendees, many of them foreign nationals. This large influx of visitors magnifies the potential for influencers to generate substantial income from US-based content.
FIFA's Creator Programs
FIFA has secured partnerships with TikTok and YouTube to expand the tournament's social media reach. YouTube's global head of media and sports, Justin Connolly, stated on the platform's blog earlier this year that creators "will have unprecedented access to World Cup-related matches and activities" and will deliver "human stories, tactical breakdowns, and behind-the-scenes action." The TikTok agreement includes 30 content creators from 11 countries and 22 cities across four continents. The creators, according to a May statement from TikTok, "represent soccer enthusiasts from everywhere, reflecting the diversity of voices and perspectives that define the game." It remains unclear whether these influencers hold the necessary documentation for paid activities in the United States.
Visa Alternatives
For creators without a work visa, one possible alternative is the O-1 visa, intended for individuals with "extraordinary ability" in arts, business, science, or sports. Unlike the B1/B2 tourist or business visa, the O-1 visa allows professional activities on US territory in exchange for remuneration, including commercial collaborations, promotional tours, and content production for profit. The following table summarizes differences based on the source:
| Visa Type | Purpose | Remuneration Allowed | Applicability |
|---|---|---|---|
| B1/B2 | Tourism or business | No | Standard visitors |
| O-1 | Extraordinary ability | Yes | Artists, athletes, business leaders, scientists |
Enforcement and Verification
Questions remain about how foreign influencers will be verified as holding appropriate visas. The El País report suggests that US authorities plan to reinforce inspections at airports and border crossings, in addition to monitoring the digital activity of content creators suspected of violating immigration rules. The exact conditions under which these regulations will apply are still unclear.
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