By Abigail David

The United States government has warned foreign social media influencers and content creators that they could face deportation if they earn income while in the country on a tourist visa during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

In a statement to Spanish news agency EFE, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Homeland Security said creating monetised content while visiting under a tourist programme constitutes work and requires the appropriate visa.

According to the agencies, the B-2 tourist visa permits travel for leisure, family visits and medical treatment but does not authorise paid employment or income-generating activities carried out in the United States.

The warning applies to creators who monetise content on platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and Facebook. Authorities also noted that working for a media organisation while on a tourist visa is prohibited.

Officials cautioned that violations could lead to visa cancellation, deportation and restrictions on future travel to the US.

Immigration lawyer Alex Galvez said individuals who breach the conditions of their entry could lose their tourist visas, although some cases may be legally contested if payments are received outside the United States.

The advisory comes ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada and is expected to attract thousands of independent content creators.

The warning follows heightened immigration enforcement measures, including the detention and self-deportation of popular TikTok creator Khaby Lame in 2025 over an alleged visa overstay.

By Abigail David

Manchester United will conclude their pre-season preparations with a high-profile friendly against AC Milan in Wroclaw, Poland, on August 15, the Premier League club confirmed on Tuesday.

The fixture forms part of United’s extensive European tour ahead of the 2026/27 season as manager Michael Carrick aims to build on the club’s third-place finish in the previous campaign.

United begin their pre-season schedule against Wrexham in Helsinki on July 18 before travelling to Norway to face Rosenborg a week later. The team will then head to Sweden for matches against Atletico Madrid in Stockholm on August 1 and reigning European champions Paris Saint-Germain in Gothenburg on August 8.

The Red Devils will also take on long-time rivals Leeds United in Dublin on August 12 before rounding off their preparations against AC Milan three days later.

Manchester United director of football Jason Wilcox said the club was excited to end the tour in Poland, adding that the six-match schedule across five countries would provide valuable preparation for the new campaign while allowing the team to connect with supporters across Europe.

By Abigail David

Liverpool have appointed Andoni Iraola as their new manager following the dismissal of Arne Slot after a disappointing Premier League title defence.

The Premier League club confirmed the Spaniard’s appointment on Thursday, with reports indicating he has signed a two-year contract.

Speaking after his appointment, Iraola described Liverpool as one of the biggest clubs in world football and said he was excited by the opportunity to lead the Reds.

The 43-year-old arrives at Anfield after a successful spell at Bournemouth, where he guided the club to a sixth-place Premier League finish and its first-ever qualification for European competition.

Iraola earned widespread praise for Bournemouth’s attacking, high-intensity style of play and for developing young talents during his three-year tenure. Under his leadership, the Cherries improved from 12th to ninth before securing sixth place this season.

Liverpool hope Iraola can revive the aggressive brand of football associated with former manager Jurgen Klopp after growing criticism of Slot’s more cautious approach.

Slot, who succeeded Klopp in 2024, enjoyed immediate success by leading Liverpool to a record-equalling 20th English league title in his first season. However, the club endured a difficult 2025/26 campaign, finishing fifth and ending the season without silverware.

Liverpool’s struggles were compounded by injuries, disappointing performances from several new signings and mounting pressure from supporters as the team fell 25 points behind champions Arsenal.

Despite the setback, the Reds secured qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League.