FIFA World Cup 2026 piracy crackdown: US shuts down over 400 illegal streaming sites

In a bold move to combat illegal streaming, the US government has dismantled nearly 400 websites that were illegally broadcasting FIFA World Cup matches. This action marks one of the most significant enforcement operations against sports piracy to date, adhering to US copyright laws. Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva emphasized the importance of this operation in disrupting international piracy networks that profit from the World Cup's immense popularity. "We have seized hundreds of domains used for illegal streaming, aiming to disrupt networks that financially benefit from this global event," Duva stated. The crackdown is particularly timely as the US prepares to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The government has underscored its responsibility to enforce copyright laws and eliminate illegal streaming during this prestigious tournament. This operation was not conducted in isolation; it involved a collaborative effort with FIFA, NBC Universal, Warner Bros., and law enforcement agencies from various countries. Investigators discovered that many of the targeted piracy websites were hosted on servers located in Peru and Bulgaria. The enforcement actions extended beyond US borders, impacting countries such as Croatia, Romania, Poland, and Colombia. A tactic known as dynamic domain rotation was employed by these piracy networks, allowing them to swiftly shift to new domain names to continue their operations even after being shut down. This necessitated a coordinated international response from authorities. Eric Weindorf, Special Agent in Charge of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations in Washington, issued a warning to fans about the risks associated with using pirated streaming services during the World Cup. He cautioned that accessing content through these sites can expose users to significant cybersecurity threats, including malware infections, data interception, and the potential theft of personal and financial information. Weindorf emphasized that this crackdown serves a dual purpose: protecting broadcasting rights and safeguarding viewers from cyber dangers. "These website takedowns are essential to uphold intellectual property laws, ensuring fans can enjoy a secure and genuine experience while supporting their teams during the World Cup," he concluded.