FIFA teams with MercadoLibre to fight World Cup 2026 piracy

Kaspersky warned that, ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, fake streaming sites are targeting fans with offers of free live matches. The scams use sponsored ads, social‑media posts and messaging links that ask users to register and provide personal or banking details, or to download malicious applications. According to analyst Leandro Cuzzo, "many of these sites are designed to collect credentials, personal data or financial information."

In parallel, FIFA has joined MercadoLibre’s Anti‑Counterfeiting Alliance to curb piracy of World Cup merchandise across Latin America. The partnership will enable the e‑commerce platform, which operates in 18 countries, to detect and remove infringing listings and coordinate with authorities to seize counterfeit goods such as balls and jerseys. FIFA’s legal director Lynn Carrillo said, "FIFA works hard to protect its intellectual property and the rights of official partners and licensees."

The joint effort aims to safeguard fans from both digital fraud and counterfeit products as interest in the tournament surges.