The U.S. Department of Justice says it has seized more than 1,000 internet domains accused of illegally streaming FIFA World Cup 2026 matches. Federal officials announced the enforcement effort Monday, saying the websites were offering live broadcasts of World Cup games without authorization, violating U.S. copyright law. The seizures were carried out in three separate actions during the tournament and were investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center.
Federal authorities say the operation targeted digital piracy networks that profit from unauthorized broadcasts and may expose users to malware, identity theft, and other cyber risks. The Justice Department said the domains were identified with assistance from FIFA and several media and entertainment partners. The U.S. effort was part of a broader international crackdown known as Operation Red Card, which involved law enforcement agencies across the Americas and Europe. Officials say the campaign resulted in the blocking of hundreds of additional illegal streaming sites and arrests connected to piracy operations.
