US Seizes 400 Piracy Sites Streaming FIFA World Cup
The U.S. administration has seized the internet domains of nearly 400 websites accused of illegally live-streaming matches from the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026. In a statement, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) said the surprise operation was launched to thwart international piracy networks seeking to profit illegally from the tournament's immense global popularity.
The DOJ identified the illegal domains based on information provided by FIFA, NBCUniversal, and Warner Bros.
Piracy During Live Matches
According to the Justice Department, the seized websites were broadcasting World Cup matches in real time while the games were in progress, in direct violation of copyright laws.
In a statement, Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent Eric Wendroff warned viewers about the dangers of using such platforms, saying: “These illegal streaming sites are not only violating copyright laws, but they also expose users to significant risks. They can spread malware to users’ devices, and their insecure connections greatly increase the likelihood of personal and financial information being stolen or hacked.”
Crackdown on an International Network
The DOJ said the piracy operation extended far beyond the United States and involved a global network.
Authorities identified the principal servers and domains involved in the illegal streaming operation and conducted major enforcement actions in Peru and Bulgaria. Parallel measures were also taken in Croatia, Romania, Poland, and Colombia to disrupt the network's activities.
World Cup 2026 Continues to Break Records
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, kicked off on June 11. The tournament will run through July 19, with matches being played across 16 cities in the three host nations.
According to FIFA, attendance at this year's tournament has already surpassed all previous World Cup records. Meanwhile, television audience measurement firm Nielsen reported that last week's matches achieved some of the highest television viewership figures in broadcasting history, with the United States' victory over Australia ranking among the most-watched games.
Authorities said cybercriminals attempted to exploit the tournament's unprecedented popularity through illegal streaming operations, but those efforts have now come under intensified scrutiny following the U.S. government's enforcement action.
//DBTech/BMT/OR//
