The United States government has issued a stern warning to foreign social media influencers and content creators planning to cover the 2026 FIFA World Cup, cautioning that they could face deportation if they earn money while in the country on tourist visas.

The warning, issued by the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Wednesday, comes as millions of football fans and thousands of independent content creators converge on North America for the month-long tournament co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

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According to US authorities, foreign nationals entering the country on a B-2 tourist visa are not permitted to engage in paid work or receive income from activities carried out while in the United States.

“Having the sole purpose of the visit be content creation (as an influencer), thereby generating income from U.S. sources while in the country, is considered work and requires the appropriate visa,” the agencies said.

The government stressed that tourist visas are intended for leisure, vacations, family visits, and medical treatment, and do not authorize employment or income-generating activities.

Officials warned that anyone found violating the terms of their visa could face immediate visa cancellation, deportation, and possible restrictions on future travel to the United States.

The directive applies to influencers and content creators who monetize content on platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook while attending the World Cup.

Authorities also clarified that working for a media outlet while in the country on a tourist visa is prohibited under the same regulations.

Immigration lawyer Alex Galvez noted that foreign nationals who violate the conditions of their entry could lose their tourist visa privileges.

However, he suggested that some influencers might have legal grounds to challenge enforcement actions if their social media accounts are registered in their home countries and payments are received outside the United States.

The warning comes as the 2026 FIFA World Cup, running from June 11 to July 19, is expected to attract a record number of digital creators documenting the tournament for global audiences.

The issue has also fueled broader concerns over immigration restrictions surrounding the tournament.

The International Sports Press Association recently criticized what it described as unfair visa limitations affecting some journalists seeking entry into the United States.

In a separate incident, Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan was reportedly denied entry into the country ahead of the competition.

The US government’s tough stance follows previous immigration enforcement actions involving high-profile influencers.

Recall that in 2025, TikTok sensation Khaby Lame was detained by immigration authorities at Las Vegas airport and later self-deported after allegedly overstaying his visa.

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has also confirmed it will assist with security operations at World Cup venues, underscoring the administration’s broader immigration enforcement measures during the tournament.

As the world’s biggest football event gets underway, foreign influencers hoping to cash in on World Cup content are being reminded that violating US visa rules could come at a heavy cost.

New Brighton & Hove Albion signing Zadok Yohanna has revealed that he models his game after Algerian star Riyad Mahrez, while naming Lionel Messi and Michael Olise as his favourite footballers.

The 18-year-old Nigerian midfielder recently completed a high-profile move from Swedish side AIK Stockholm to Brighton in a deal reportedly worth €28 million, with an additional €2 million in performance-related bonuses.

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Speaking about the players who inspire him, Yohanna said Messi remains his all-time favourite, while Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise is currently one of the players he enjoys watching the most.

“My favourite player is Lionel Messi and I think right now I like Michael Olise. I also play like Riyad Mahrez,” Yohanna said.

The former Ikon Allah FA player has earned recognition for his flair, dribbling ability and creativity, qualities that have led many to compare his style to that of the former Manchester City winger.

According to the teenager, the comparison with Mahrez is one he has heard repeatedly from his former teammates in Nigeria.

“My teammates in Nigeria call me Riyad Mahrez; they say I dribble and play like him rather than Lamine Yamal or Olise,” he added.

Mahrez is widely regarded as one of Africa’s greatest footballers, having won the Premier League title with Leicester City before enjoying a trophy-laden spell at Manchester City under Pep Guardiola.

Yohanna’s admiration for Olise also reflects his preference for inventive attacking players.

The French international enjoyed an impressive campaign with Bayern Munich last season and is considered one of Europe’s brightest young talents.

Brighton moved quickly to secure Yohanna’s signature following his breakthrough season in Sweden, where he emerged as one of AIK Stockholm’s standout performers.

The transfer reportedly made him the most expensive player ever sold by a Swedish club.

The Nigerian youngster has signed a five-year contract with the Seagulls and is expected to begin preparations for his first Premier League campaign ahead of the new season.

With comparisons to Mahrez and inspiration drawn from Messi and Olise, Yohanna will be hoping to make a similar impact as he embarks on the next chapter of his promising career in England.

World football governing body FIFA is facing growing scrutiny after authorities in the United States opened an investigation into allegations of ticket pricing exploitation ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The probe, announced by officials in New York and New Jersey, will examine whether FIFA engaged in unfair pricing strategies, including alleged “impossibly high” ticket costs, misleading seat allocations, and dynamic pricing models that push prices higher as demand increases.

According to prosecutors, the investigation aims to determine whether fans were unfairly treated during the ticket sales process or misled about what they were purchasing.

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New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport described the ticketing system as confusing and exploitative, saying it has turned access to World Cup matches into what she called a “gauntlet of confusion and fake scarcity.”

Her New York counterpart, Letitia James, also expressed concern over rising ticket prices and accessibility, stressing that football supporters deserve transparency and fairness in the sales process.

The controversy has intensified ahead of the tournament kickoff on June 11 across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, with the final scheduled to be held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19.

Beyond ticket prices, fans have also raised concerns about additional match-day costs, including expensive transportation and parking fees, further increasing the financial burden of attending games.

The investigation adds to mounting pressure on FIFA as global criticism grows over the commercialisation of major football tournaments and the affordability of attending matches for ordinary supporters.

Authorities in other US states have also reportedly raised concerns, suggesting the issue could be more widespread across the tournament’s hosting arrangements.