FIFA's Prohibited Word List Restricts Businesses, Content Creators From Using Tournament Branding

The 2026 World Cup has created a unique atmosphere in Mexico City. You cannot go more than 10 yards without seeing an advertisement, mural or piece of merchandise reminding residents that Mexico will host the tournament for the third time.

But as the country prepares for the event, FIFA has introduced several restrictions affecting businesses and content creators using the tournament's branding.

According to Mexican media, only brands, businesses and individuals that have acquired the appropriate rights from FIFA will be allowed to use certain words and phrases to promote their establishments, services or products.

Terms such as "World Cup 2026," "FIFA," "official sponsor," "Somos 26," "FIFA World Cup" and other variations of the tournament's name will be prohibited for businesses that do not have FIFA authorization. Otherwise, they could face lawsuits and fines of thousands of dollars for intellectual property violations.

According to reports, these references may only be used for strictly informational or journalistic purposes, provided there is no commercial intent, no associated advertising and no use of official FIFA logos, graphics or branding.

Fines for improper use of World Cup-related words, logos and slogans could reach up to 29 million pesos –more than $1.6 million– according to the outlet Expansión.

The sale of counterfeit merchandise will also be banned within a two-mile radius of World Cup stadiums, the outlet reported.

In a separate but related issue, many restaurants and bars across Mexico will be required to obtain licenses to broadcast World Cup matches.

According to Milenio, licensing fees for establishments to show matches range from about $250 to more than $1,300, depending on the size and type of business.

Failure to obtain a license could result in fines ranging from more than $33,000 to multimillion-dollar penalties for intellectual property violations.

Jesús Carballo Martínez, director of the National Chamber of Small Commerce in Tampico, Tamaulipas, told Milenio he recommends businesses avoid streaming platforms and stick to matches broadcast on free-to-air television.

Despite the restrictions, businesses will still be allowed to decorate their spaces with generic soccer-related imagery, such as balls or national flags, as long as they do not reproduce official tournament branding.