Mexico’s host city administration for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has formally escalated concerns over illegal broadcasting platforms, urging federal authorities to take urgent action against large-scale piracy networks ahead of the tournament.
Official Complaint Filed to PROFECO
In a formal letter submitted to Mexico’s Federal Consumer Protection Agency (PROFECO), the FIFA 2026 Mexico Host City Office called for immediate enforcement measures and a nationwide awareness campaign targeting illegal streaming services.
The request comes as the country prepares to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside the United States and Canada, scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
Ciudad de México Host City Manager Félix Aguirre Gil addressed the letter to PROFECO Federal Consumer Prosecutor César Iván Escalante Ruiz, warning that unauthorized streaming platforms pose both economic and security risks ahead of the global tournament.
Illegal Platforms Named in Report
According to the complaint, several unauthorized services allegedly claiming to broadcast World Cup matches without FIFA licensing were explicitly identified, including:
- KaelusTV
- ThunderTV
- Telelatino
- Sunset TV
- PopTV
Authorities claim these platforms operate through fraudulent domains and may expose users to serious cyber risks.
Beyond Copyright: Cybersecurity Concerns
The letter highlights that the issue extends beyond intellectual property violations, warning that users engaging with such platforms may face:
- Financial fraud through stolen banking and credit card data
- Personal data breaches, including passwords and device information
- Lack of legal recourse in cases of service disruption or non-delivery
Officials emphasized that these platforms not only infringe broadcasting rights but also potentially endanger thousands of consumers.
Nationwide Awareness Campaign Requested
To mitigate risks, the host city administration has urged PROFECO to launch a nationwide public awareness campaign focused on cyber fraud and illegal streaming dangers. The initiative is expected to receive institutional support from the host city authorities.
The correspondence was also distributed to senior figures involved in Mexico’s World Cup coordination, including Gabriela Cuevas Barrón, Mexico’s World Cup government representative, FIFA Mexico Office Director General Jürgen Mainka Ruiz, and FIFA Communications Director Ana Barreda Luna—signaling a coordinated, multi-level response to piracy concerns.
A Multi-Front Battle Ahead of 2026
With the tournament approaching, officials are increasingly framing illegal streaming not only as a copyright issue, but as a broader cybersecurity and consumer protection challenge. The move underscores how host nations are preparing for off-field battles as intensively as on-field ones ahead of the 2026 World Cup.