UAE warns against illegal streaming of World Cup matches

The UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism has urged football fans to enjoy the FIFA World Cup 2026 responsibly by watching matches and accessing sports content only through licensed broadcasters and official platforms. The ministry reminded fans that all World Cup matches and related content are protected by intellectual property rights, and warned against sharing, re-broadcasting or distributing match links and clips without permission. Fans are advised to watch World Cup matches only through licensed platforms and official broadcasters. Sharing match links, clips or broadcasts from unauthorised sources is prohibited. Authorities urged residents to respect intellectual property rights and support their teams responsibly. Illegal streaming or unauthorised distribution of sports content can lead to legal penalties in the UAE. The warning comes as major sporting events often see a rise in fraudulent websites, fake streaming services and phishing campaigns targeting fans searching for free match access. Earlier, Digital Dubai advised the public to use only official broadcasting and streaming platforms, verify website links before clicking, and avoid sharing personal information, passwords or one-time passcodes (OTPs).