World Cup 2026: Live viewing at venues proves challenging

A Vietnam News Agency correspondent in Mexico City cited an announcement from the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (IMPI) stating that World Cup 2026 broadcasting rights belong to FIFA and its officially licensed entities. Therefore, businesses are not allowed to use personal television packages or online streaming platforms for customer viewing. To broadcast matches live, establishments must sign agreements with FIFA-authorized broadcasters.

The agency emphasized that the regulation applies to all types of businesses, from large restaurant chains to small eateries, cafes, and bars. Using personal television signals or streaming services to attract customers during the World Cup may be seen as unauthorized commercial exploitation of copyrighted content.

According to Mexico's Federal Copyright Law, unauthorized retransmission or public dissemination of broadcast programs may result in administrative penalties. IMPI stated that current fines can reach up to 586,500 pesos (approximately 31,000 USD) per violation. The agency has the authority to conduct inspections and take action upon receiving complaints from content owners.

FIFA also clearly defines commercial public screenings as events aimed at generating profit, such as charging admission fees, seeking sponsorship, or directly profiting from collective football viewing. However, screenings in restaurants, hotels, clubs, or bars may still be considered non-commercial if they are merely part of the establishment's regular activities and not accompanied by additional business programs related to the World Cup.

The new regulation has sparked considerable debate within Mexico's business community, as World Cup 2026 is forecast to bring a large influx of customers to the food service and entertainment industry. The Mexican Confederation of Chambers of Commerce, Services, and Tourism (Concanaco-Servytur) has urged rights holders and broadcasters to establish a licensing mechanism with affordable prices for small businesses and family-run operations, enabling them to capitalize on the business opportunities from the world's biggest football festival.

In some tourist destinations such as Cancún, the restaurant association reported that broadcasting license fees may start at around 15,000 pesos and increase depending on the scale of the business. Businesses are also warned not to use the official logos, mascots, images, or trademarks of World Cup 2026.

World Cup 2026 will take place from June 11 to July 19 in Mexico, the United States, and Canada, featuring 48 national teams. This will be the first World Cup hosted by three countries and the largest tournament in FIFA history, with a total of 104 matches.