US authorities have seized nearly 400 internet domains accused of illegally streaming FIFA World Cup 2026 matches, marking one of the largest anti-piracy operations ever carried out during a major sporting event.
The operation, led by the US Department of Justice, targeted websites that allegedly provided unauthorized live broadcasts of World Cup games while generating revenue through advertising and other commercial activity. Officials said the action was designed to disrupt international piracy networks profiting from copyrighted content.
According to investigators, the seized domains were hosted across multiple countries, including Peru, Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania, Poland, and Colombia. The operation involved cooperation between US authorities, FIFA, Homeland Security Investigations, NBCUniversal, and Warner Bros. Discovery.
Law enforcement officials said the websites violated US copyright laws by offering real-time access to matches without authorization from rights holders. The domains now display seizure notices informing visitors that they have been taken offline by federal authorities.
Authorities also warned that illegal streaming platforms often expose users to cybersecurity threats beyond copyright infringement. According to Homeland Security Investigations, pirate streaming sites frequently distribute malware, harvest personal information, and expose visitors to phishing attacks and other online scams.
The crackdown comes as the 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, attracts record audiences around the world. Officials said protecting broadcasters’ intellectual property rights is a priority while the tournament is underway.
Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva said the United States has a responsibility to safeguard the tournament from criminal exploitation and prevent organized piracy groups from profiting from unauthorized broadcasts.
The Justice Department indicated that the domain seizures are part of a broader effort to dismantle international digital piracy networks. Authorities said additional investigations remain ongoing and warned that operators of illegal streaming services could face criminal prosecution.
The operation highlights the growing overlap between copyright enforcement and cybersecurity. Security experts have repeatedly cautioned that unauthorized streaming websites often rely on malicious advertising, deceptive downloads, and fake software updates that can infect users’ devices or steal sensitive information.
With millions of fans watching the tournament online, officials are urging viewers to use legitimate streaming platforms and avoid websites offering unauthorized access to live matches, warning that free streams can come with significant legal and cybersecurity risks.