The FIFA 2026 World Cup is seeing tighter regulation as it sets to start. Mexico is the host and provides venues for more matches. This is a major moment for Mexico FIFA as the country prepares for the opening match.
The initiative is being directed by Jericó Abramo Masso who serves as a deputy in the Mexican government. He has proposed a new legislation which will impose stricter requirements for television commercial content during sports programming. The main goal is to limit people's exposure during the cup which is one of the most-watched events globally.
The proposal says betting companies could only air ads during specific time. Since most of the matches in Mexico are planned between noon and midnight, this rule would mean that ads would not be seen during most live games.
Masso stated that the bill comes after parents complained. Many are worried that children see ads during football matches. He warned that some ads promise "easy money" and might mislead young viewers.
The plan also sets limits for online gaming platforms. Masso thinks the same rules should apply to digital broadcasts and streaming services. He thinks that establishing control over internet advertisements will create stronger protections for underage viewers who watch the cup through their mobile devices and social media platforms.
The Chamber of Deputies' Board of Directors is currently reviewing the bill. A committee needs to study the bill before it proceeds to Congress for debate and voting. Lawmakers haven't announced a decision date yet because they consider it a crucial moment which will affect the upcoming cup.
Mexico already has regulations that govern gambling ads. Television networks need to obtain permission from the Secretariat of the Interior for all advertisements they intend to broadcast. The existing legal framework requires organizations to display responsible gambling messages, while prohibition exists against showing content which promotes excessive betting. The FIFA 2026 World Cup establishes these regulations, but the new bill introduces additional restrictions on time management.
This discussion happens while Mexico is reviewing its older gambling laws. The country still relies on the Federal Gaming and Lottery Law which was enacted in 1947. The MORENA party members who currently control the government believe that the existing law needs revision because it fails to match present-day gambling activities which include FIFA 2026 World Cup events.
Also, attention is on sponsors. Big global companies are getting marketing plans ready for the tournament. If the new law passes, it could change how betting companies can act as FIFA 2026 World Cup sponsors within Mexico.
The government recently raised a tax on gambling as part of the 2026 budget. The Special Tax on Production and Services increased from 30 percent to 50 percent of gaming profits. Officials called the increase part of wider “sin taxes,” which also cover alcohol and tobacco. The new regulations create additional difficulties for businesses that wish to become sponsors of the FIFA 2026 World Cup.
MORENA plans to present a complete gambling law to the public before the FIFA 2026 World Cup starts. The public has not yet seen any draft documents which should have been available this year. The discussion about gambling ads will probably be part of a larger reform package which will be implemented before the tournament begins.
The US and Canada will host the World Cup together with Mexico. The country will attract worldwide attention because of its role in Mexico FIFA as a key tournament host. This has increased public focus on advertising rules, protecting consumers, and the role of sponsors.
Those who support the proposal say strong steps are needed to protect children during such a huge event. They argue that limiting ads during live FIFA 2026 World Cup coverage will mean young fans see them less often.
The final choice is now up to Congress. If approved, the new limits will decide how the top betting brands and sponsors promote themselves during one of the largest sports events in history.
