FIFA and Mercado Livre forge a strategic alliance to eliminate counterfeit products and ensure fans can safely purchase official merchandise for the 2026 World Cup.
The countdown to the 2026 World Cup is already stirring the market and igniting the passion of devoted fans. However, with the excitement for the tournament comes a growing concern about the sale of counterfeit items. To combat this practice, Mercado Livre and FIFA have formalized a strong partnership, integrating football’s governing body into MACA (Mercado Livre Anti-Counterfeiting Alliance).
This move is both strategic and necessary. In May 2026 alone, the platform recorded an impressive average of 105 searches per minute related to the event. With such high interest, the collaboration aims to clean up the digital ecosystem, removing irregular listings and protecting FIFA‘s intellectual property against rampant piracy.
Protection and Transparency in Digital Commerce
The task force focuses especially on products commonly targeted for counterfeiting, such as national team jerseys and footballs. The joint effort is not limited to the platform alone: the organizations also collaborate with competent authorities to seize illegal goods and dismantle parallel trade networks that deceive consumers.
At Mercado Livre, we play as a team. This alliance with FIFA allows us to continue protecting our users and the brands that trust our platform, promoting fairer and more transparent commerce.
— Paula Fernandez Pfizenmaier, Director of Intellectual Property at Mercado Livre.
Commitment to Fans
The initiative reflects Mercado Livre‘s role as the Official Supplier LATAM for the FIFA World Cup 2026. The objective is clear: to ensure a safe shopping experience for fans, preventing financial losses and frustrations with low-quality products that infringe on official brands.
FIFA works intensely to protect its intellectual property and the rights granted to the organization’s official partners and licensees. The teamwork and leadership demonstrated by Mercado Livre through this important and effective alliance represent a fundamental pillar of FIFA’s anti-counterfeiting program and a significant step toward ensuring fans have the peace of mind to acquire authentic, high-quality products.
— Lynn Carrillo, Commercial Legal Director at FIFA.
The impact of this union is expected to intensify as the start of the competition draws nearer. For fans who live and breathe the sport, the assurance of purchasing an official product is what keeps the flame of “Raça, Amor e Paixão” (Spirit, Love, and Passion) burning without risks, ensuring that the sparkle of the World Cup is not tarnished by piracy.
