Published on August 18, 2026.
IMPI in Action: More Than 200,000 Counterfeit Products Seized During the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico
The 2026 FIFA World Cup placed Mexico at the center of global attention—not only as a host nation, but also as the stage for one of the country’s largest intellectual property enforcement operations.
According to the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (IMPI), authorities seized 200,450 counterfeit products with an estimated value exceeding MXN 32.5 million, while also blocking 325 illegal streaming links broadcasting World Cup matches without authorization.
The results demonstrate that brand protection and intellectual property enforcement were considered essential components of hosting one of the world’s largest sporting events.
How Did IMPI Combat Counterfeiting?
According to IMPI Director General Vidal Llerenas, the enforcement strategy combined multiple initiatives designed to protect trademarks, copyrights, and broadcasting rights associated with the tournament.
These measures included:
- Strengthening legal protection for trademarks linked to the World Cup
- Inspection and enforcement operations
- Preventive monitoring teams deployed in the host cities of Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey
- Investigation of public complaints
- Enforcement actions against illegal digital broadcasts
The operation was carried out in coordination with the Ministry of Economy, the Mexico City Citizen Security Secretariat, the Mexican Navy, and the National Customs Agency of Mexico.
One of the key enforcement locations was the Port of Lázaro Cárdenas, an important entry point for counterfeit merchandise entering the country.
Fighting Online Piracy
Counterfeit products were not the only focus of enforcement efforts.
IMPI also addressed digital intellectual property infringement by processing complaints submitted by the holder of the exclusive broadcasting rights for the tournament in Mexico.
As a result, authorities successfully removed 325 infringing URLs, while an additional 170 cases remained under review at the time of the report.
The operation illustrates how online piracy enforcement has become an increasingly important aspect of protecting intellectual property during major international sporting events.
Public Reporting Played an Important Role
IMPI’s Anti-Piracy Mailbox, a public reporting platform, received 214 complaints related to the FIFA World Cup.
Among those reports:
- 67% involved unauthorized online broadcasts of tournament matches.
- 33% concerned the sale or distribution of counterfeit merchandise.
Following these reports, authorities carried out 550 inspection visits to commercial establishments across multiple Mexican states.
These actions form part of a broader institutional strategy that extends beyond the conclusion of the tournament.
IMPI has emphasized that protecting trademarks, copyrights, and other intellectual property rights during major events requires continuous enforcement, rather than isolated enforcement actions.
What Can Businesses Learn from the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup provides an important lesson for companies, trademark owners, sponsors, and license holders operating in Mexico.
Intellectual property is most effectively protected when businesses combine registered rights with a well-planned legal enforcement strategy.
Companies participating in high-profile events—or those licensing products, sponsoring events, or marketing branded merchandise—face increased risks from counterfeiting, trademark infringement, and unauthorized commercial use.
Taking proactive steps before infringement occurs can significantly strengthen a company’s ability to protect its assets and enforce its rights.
Protect Your Brand Before Infringement Happens
Counterfeiting remains one of the greatest threats to brand value, reputation, and commercial growth.
At Merida IP, we help businesses develop comprehensive intellectual property strategies, including trademark registration, brand protection, enforcement planning, and legal support against infringement.
If your company is preparing for major commercial events, expanding into new markets, or strengthening its intellectual property portfolio, contact Mérida IP today to learn how we can help protect your brand.
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