US Seizes Nearly 400 Illegal World Cup Streaming Domains in Global Anti-Piracy Crackdown

U.S. authorities have seized nearly 400 internet domains that were allegedly used to illegally stream FIFA World Cup matches, marking one of the largest anti-piracy enforcement actions tied to the global soccer tournament. The operation aims to disrupt international copyright infringement networks that profit from unauthorized live sports broadcasts while protecting fans from potential cybersecurity threats.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), the domains were identified through a collaborative effort involving FIFA, NBCUniversal, Warner Bros., and other partners. Investigators determined that the websites were providing unauthorized real-time streams of FIFA World Cup matches, allowing users to access copyright-protected content without permission from official broadcasters.

Federal officials said the crackdown targeted servers and domain infrastructure connected to illegal streaming operations in Peru and Bulgaria. Authorities also carried out related enforcement actions in Croatia, Romania, Poland, and Colombia as part of a coordinated international effort to combat digital piracy.

Eric Weindorf, Special Agent in Charge at Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), warned that illegal streaming platforms pose risks beyond copyright violations. He said these unauthorized websites can expose users to malware, insecure internet connections, and cyberattacks that may compromise personal information and financial data.

The DOJ emphasized that protecting intellectual property rights is essential for broadcasters, sports organizations, and content creators that invest heavily in securing exclusive media rights. Officials added that international cooperation remains critical in identifying and dismantling piracy networks operating across multiple countries.

The FIFA World Cup, which began on June 11 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, continues through July 19, with matches taking place in 16 host cities. The tournament has already broken attendance records, according to FIFA, while television viewership has surged. Nielsen data showed that recent World Cup broadcasts ranked among the most-watched television programs, with the United States' victory over Australia attracting the largest audience.

The latest domain seizures highlight the U.S. government's ongoing commitment to protecting digital content, enforcing copyright laws, and safeguarding consumers from the growing risks associated with illegal online streaming services.