U.S. Justice Department Seizes Over 1,000 Sites in Major Crackdown on World Cup Piracy

WASHINGTON (July 21) — The U.S. Justice Department seized more than 1,000 websites and blocked nearly 2,000 domain names Monday as part of a sweeping international operation to shut down unauthorized streaming services broadcasting matches from the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The action was executed by the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center (IPR Center) in coordination with U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Officials stated the move targets criminal networks distributing pirated content and aims to protect consumers from malicious software often embedded on illicit streaming platforms.

Announced at 11:09 a.m. EDT, the operation represents one of the largest single-day takedowns of infringing websites in U.S. history related to a major sporting event. The IPR Center coordinated efforts with law enforcement partners across 54 countries, extending the reach of the seizure beyond domestic borders to disrupt global distribution channels.

FIFA World Cup matches are among the most-watched events globally, making them prime targets for copyright infringement. Illicit streaming sites often operate without broadcasting rights, generating revenue through aggressive advertising and data harvesting while exposing users to cybersecurity threats such as ransomware and phishing scams.

"This operation disrupts criminal organizations that profit from stealing intellectual property and putting consumers at risk," said a Justice Department spokesperson regarding the enforcement action. The seized domains included primary streaming sites as well as redirect pages designed to funnel traffic away from legitimate broadcasters toward unauthorized sources.

The crackdown comes amid heightened scrutiny of digital piracy ahead of high-profile international tournaments. Authorities noted that while the takedown removes specific web addresses, operators frequently migrate to new domains or utilize encrypted messaging apps to continue distributing content. The complexity of these networks requires continuous monitoring and rapid response capabilities from federal agencies.

Legal experts suggest the operation underscores a shift toward proactive domain seizures rather than post-broadcast litigation. By taking down infrastructure before matches air, authorities aim to reduce the volume of illegal streams available during peak viewing times. However, the sheer scale of the internet means that new infringing sites often appear within hours of major takedowns.

Questions remain regarding how quickly operators will re-establish their networks and whether similar operations will be expanded to other upcoming sporting events in 2026. The Justice Department indicated it would continue working with international partners to address emerging threats as the tournament progresses, but did not specify if further seizures are imminent.