Influencers covering the 2026 World Cup in the United States must have a work visa to monetise their content, according to a joint statement by Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Homeland Security. This could affect FIFA's broadcasting strategy which includes agreements with multiple international creators on TikTok and YouTube.

The move is expected to impact the 6.5 million attendees in host countries, many from abroad, as the US will host over half of these spectators. Influencers without a work visa risk violating their immigration status if they receive income while in the country.

YouTube's Justin Connolly praised the influx of fresh perspectives from influencers bringing human stories and behind-the-scenes action to life for fans.

For those lacking a work visa, there might be an alternative: the O-1 visa. This is designed for individuals with extraordinary ability in areas such as arts, business, science or sports but requires specific conditions to be met.

The regulations are still unclear, leaving many questions about how content creators will be verified and monitored by US authorities at airports and border crossings.