Watch Party Grants

Brand protection is serious business, especially during world-class soccer events like this one, but celebrating can be straightforward when you know what’s protected and what’s open to everyone.

A head’s up

These brand protection rules apply to everything: your storefront signage, social media posts, website announcements, email newsletters, printed menus, table tents, promotional giveaways, and any other way you communicate internally or with customers. Whether you’re posting on Instagram about match day specials or putting up a chalkboard sign outside your restaurant, the same restrictions apply.

Learn more about FIFA’s intellectual property guidelines

What businesses cannot do

You cannot use Protected FIFA Intellectual Property on any of your marketing, promotions, merch or otherwise. You cannot say “FIFA”, “World Cup”, “FIFA World Cup 26™” anywhere.

FIFA’s IP is reserved exclusively for FIFA rights holders and Commercial Partners. This includes: FIFA Partners, FIFA World Cup Sponsors and FIFA World Cup Tournament, FIFA World Cup 26™ Host City Supporters and Promotional Partners, e.g. Destination BC and Destination Vancouver, FIFA World Cup 26™ and Host City Government Funding Partners.

It also means businesses CANNOT:

Use ANY FIFA marks to imply affiliation or advertise products or
services, including:
- Wordmarks, e.g. “FIFA”, “World Cup”, “FIFA World Cup 26™”
- Logos, e.g. Official tournament logo, Host City Logo
- Visuals, e.g. Trophy, Mascot, Match Ball, or any Official designs
- Slogans, e.g. “We Are 26”, “We Are Vancouver”, “We are a Force of Nature.”
- Event names, e.g. “FIFA Fan Fest™”, “Trophy Tour”
- Suggesting an official partnership or endorsement
  (unless licensed to do so) e.g. “Proud Supporter of the FIFA
  World Cup 26™
Use images or designs that feature specific player likenesses,
national team jerseys, or other imagery that suggests an official
association with FIFA or national teams.
Sell, gift or contest merchandise featuring FIFA World Cup 26™
logos or branding without approval
Advertise that individuals can “watch the FIFA World Cup matches
here, unless approved by FIFA

What businesses can do

Here are some ways to get in the game:

Decorate your store-, bar- and restaurant-fronts with country flags
and national colours to welcome visitors and create themed food
and drink menus inspired by participating countries.
Use generic soccer imagery around your business.
(e.g. soccer balls, nets, jerseys)
Sell merchandise featuring country flags and general soccer imagery, without using FIFA World Cup 26™ or FIFA IP.
Show matches/throw Watch Parties on your business’s existing screens as part of your normal service.
Use phrases like:
“Celebrate soccer’s biggest event in Burnaby!”
“Experience global football excitement this summer in Burnaby”,
“Planning to visit or stay in Burnaby for the tournament? We’re hosting watch parties!” or
“Visit our restaurant near X during the tournament.”.

For additional inspiration, messaging guidance and inspiration while avoiding the use of FIFA IP, please see Destination BC – FIFA World Cup 26TM Playbook.

Destination BC – FIFA World Cup 26 TM Playbook

Special permits

All events and activations should be planned with their location and potential impacts in mind, including traffic, noise, use of public space, and alcohol service.

Events taking place on streets, sidewalks, or other public right-of-way areas may require permits, particularly if they affect traffic flow or require traffic control. Planning ahead is strongly recommended.

To determine which permits or licences may be required for your event, please contact the City of Burnaby directly at worldcupevents@burnaby.ca. Your inquiry will be reviewed by the appropriate team, who can guide you through the requirements.

Application deadline: New special event permit applications must be submitted by May 8.

If you are planning to add or expand liquor service, please note that approval timelines may be longer than usual. Early application is strongly encouraged.

Need a little inspiration for
your celebration?

Host themed entertainment or music nights that highlight the cultures of teams playing that day (e.g. a live band from a participating country or a DJ spinning international playlists.
Organize friendly soccer trivia competitions to engage customers and guests.
Set up a fan selfie zone with soccer-themed backdrops such as mini goals, soccer balls, and country flags (no FIFA logos or marks).
Offer “country of the day” promotions or specials linked to match schedules (e.g. discounts on themed dishes or drinks when certain countries play).
Run community soccer skills challenges in safe outdoor spaces, such as juggling/keep-up contests and practicing shots on goal (as long as no FIFA branding is used).