Mexico City — With the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to kick off in one week, businesses across Mexico are preparing to capitalize on the tournament. However, FIFA, in coordination with the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (IMPI), has issued strict guidelines that establishments must follow to avoid fines of up to 29 million pesos (approximately $1.5 million USD).
Unauthorized broadcasts, including streaming matches via pirated signals or unapproved platforms, are prohibited. Businesses cannot use FIFA logos, images, or official trademarks without permission, nor can they advertise themselves as official World Cup venues without authorization. Commercial promotions using the tournament’s registered marks are also banned, as is charging admission to view matches if it involves unauthorized commercial use of the broadcast.
Additionally, businesses are not allowed to stream matches from a personal account. They must obtain a commercial license from authorized providers endorsed by FIFA. The governing body is determined to protect its revenue from the quadrennial event.
Establishments may decorate with generic soccer-themed items such as balls or goals, as long as they do not use FIFA’s official images or trademarks. IMPI clarified that restaurants and bars can show matches only through legal means — live streaming on social media, video call platforms, or unauthorized websites is forbidden. Only authorized providers for the 2026 World Cup in Mexico may be used, and only through a business account.
Beyond the legal hurdles, businesses face additional challenges: high ticket prices have dampened sales and hotel occupancy in host cities across Mexico, the United States, and Canada. Protests, security concerns, and unfinished infrastructure projects have also marred preparations. Fan enthusiasm appears lower than in previous tournaments, according to some observers.
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