Puerto Vallarta restaurants, bars, and food stands are being warned to verify their World Cup broadcast rights before showing matches to customers.
A warning from Canirac says businesses should check the signal they plan to use, the terms of their television or streaming service, and any use of tournament branding in ads or social media posts.
The issue is likely to come up across Puerto Vallarta once the tournament begins. Bars in the Romantic Zone, seafood restaurants along the hotel zone, cafés in Versalles and taco stands with sidewalk TVs often use major matches to bring in extra tables. Puerto Vallarta is not a host city, but Jalisco’s World Cup program already includes Malecón screens, a planned Fan Fest, and a concert.
Businesses need proof before kickoff
Claudia Ramírez, Canirac’s executive president, said Televisa holds the transmission rights and that businesses need to make sure those rights are covered before showing matches publicly.
“Today we know Televisa has the rights for this transmission, and that is why it is very important that those rights are paid,” Ramírez said.
Canirac named Izzi and Sky as platforms where commercial rights may be handled. The warning did not say that every account automatically qualifies. Each business is being told to verify its own contract directly with the provider.
A home television package can cover normal private viewing. A restaurant using the same feed to draw customers, fill tables, or promote drink specials may fall under public or commercial use.
The risk grows when a business advertises a watch party, uses the FIFA name or logo, or presents the event in a way that looks official. FIFA’s public-viewing platform directs organizers to its licensing process for screenings during the June 11 to July 19 tournament. FIFA’s World Cup 26 brand rules also state that public-viewing hosts must comply with licensing requirements through FIFA or authorized media rights holders.
Branding could bring the biggest bill
Mexican law gives broadcasters control over certain public uses of their signals when profit is involved. The Federal Copyright Law also treats unauthorized retransmission, reproduction, or commercial use of protected broadcasts as an infringement.
Canirac warned that IMPI could inspect businesses and ask for proof of authorization. Inspectors may also review World Cup logos, team images, flyers, menu promotions, and social posts that suggest an official connection to the tournament.
The largest number cited in the warning involves misuse of tournament branding. Canirac said some violations could reach 250,000 UMA. Using INEGI’s 2026 UMA value, that ceiling is about 29.3 million pesos. The actual penalty would depend on the case and the authority handling it.
For a small restaurant, get written confirmation from the cable, satellite, or streaming provider before the first match. Keep the contract, invoice, or provider message where staff can find it. Avoid FIFA logos, official marks, and sponsor-style language unless permission is clear.
Public city screenings are separate from private business use. A government-organized Malecón screen does not give a bar, café, or taco stand the right to use its own signal for a promoted customer event.
Mexico opens the tournament on June 11. Businesses building breakfast specials, lunch reservations, or evening drink promos around the matches have little time to fix a licensing problem after the TV is already on.
