The United States has seized more than 1,000 internet domains that were allegedly used to illegally stream matches during the FIFA World Cup 2026, according to reports released on Tuesday.
The crackdown forms part of a wider effort by US authorities to stop online piracy during one of the world’s biggest sporting events. Officials said the websites provided unauthorised live streams of World Cup matches, violating copyright laws.
Earlier, on June 26, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) had announced the seizure of more than 400 domains involved in illegal streaming. The latest operation has significantly expanded that action, taking the total number of seized domains to over 1,000.
Illegal Streaming Websites Targeted
According to US officials, the seized websites offered live broadcasts of FIFA World Cup matches without permission from the copyright holders.
These platforms allowed users to watch games for free by bypassing official broadcasting rights. As a result, authorities launched legal action to shut them down and prevent further copyright infringement.
Officials believe the operation will help protect the rights of broadcasters and content owners who paid for exclusive World Cup streaming rights.
Authorities Warn About Cybersecurity Risks
US authorities also warned that illegal streaming websites pose security risks for users.
Eric Weindorf, Special Agent in Charge at Homeland Security Investigations, said these platforms do more than violate copyright laws.
According to him, such websites may expose viewers to malware attacks, unsecured internet connections, and other cyber threats that can put personal and financial information at risk.
Authorities urged football fans to use authorised streaming platforms instead of illegal websites to avoid both legal and cybersecurity issues.
International Servers Came Under Investigation
The investigation was not limited to websites operating within the United States.
The US Department of Justice targeted servers located in several countries that were allegedly connected to the illegal streaming network.
These included Peru, Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania, Poland, and Colombia.
The cross-border operation highlights the international nature of online piracy and the growing cooperation between countries to tackle digital copyright violations.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Drew Global Audience
The FIFA World Cup 2026 began on June 11 and was jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The tournament attracted millions of viewers worldwide, making it one of the most-watched sporting events of the year.
The high demand for live matches also led to an increase in illegal streaming websites, prompting authorities to step up enforcement efforts throughout the competition.
Spain Lifted The FIFA World Cup Trophy
The tournament concluded with Spain defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the final at the New York New Jersey Stadium.
Substitute Ferran Torres scored the winning goal in the 106th minute, ending Argentina’s title defence and securing Spain’s second FIFA World Cup crown.
The victory also extended Spain’s unbeaten run to 38 international matches, setting a new record for the longest unbeaten streak by a European men’s national team.
In addition, Spain became the first country to simultaneously hold both the men’s and women’s FIFA World Cup titles, adding another historic milestone to their success.