US Seizes Nearly 400 Websites That Were Illegally Streaming World Cup, DOJ Says
Source: US News & World Report/Reuters
June 26, 2026, at 6:45 p.m.
WASHINGTON, June 26 (Reuters) - The United States has seized nearly 400 internet domains that were being used to illegally stream the World Cup, officials said on Friday, describing the move as one meant to disrupt international networks profiting from the popularity of the tournament.
The U.S. Justice Department said the domains were identified with the assistance of soccer governing body FIFA and others, including NBC Universal and Warner Brothers. The domains were used to illegally offer users copyright-protected content in the form of real-time streams of the World Cup matches as they were being played and first broadcast, the department said.
"These streamers not only violate copyright laws but also expose viewers to potential threats including malware attacks and unsecure connections that can compromise personal and financial data," Eric Weindorf, a special agent in charge at Homeland Security Investigations, said in a statement.
Servers and domains linked to the unauthorized streaming of the tournament's matches were targeted in Peru and Bulgaria, the DOJ said, adding that additional disruptions took place in Croatia, Romania, Poland and Colombia.
Read more: https://www.usnews.com/news/top-news/articles/2026-06-26/us-seizes-nearly-400-websites-that-were-illegally-streaming-world-cup-doj-says
AZ8theist
(7,760 posts)I'm not about to buy 37 different streaming services in order to watch the games.
Thankfully, the streamers are nimble, so more sites will pop up.
Blackjackdavey
(273 posts)They are all streaming on Peackock (in spanish). It's that simple. If you wish to subject yourself to commercials, Alexi lalas moron maga bullshit and jingoistic garbage, that's on fox.
FakeNoose
(43,050 posts)I got to see the Winter Olympics last winter, and now the World Cup games, thanks to Peacock. Another benefit is that all (!) of the Saturday Night Live episodes of 51 years are available on Peacock and nowhere else. Plus new shows and movies that I watch from time to time.
Another thing I like is that I can share my membership with my son and daughter-in-law who live in another state. I could never do that with cable TV but it's possible with streaming services. I've found that I can get by without the old-style "cable TV" as long as Peacock and Hulu are around.
The entire industry is evolving quickly, so I might have a different opinion in a few months.
Rebl2
(18,007 posts)Telemundo
OldBaldy1701E
(11,801 posts)Yes, I am sure that your main concern is malware and the safety of the citizens, and not the fact that they did not pay your cronies for the privilege of watching the game.
louis-t
(24,699 posts)Compromising personal data is the gub'mint's job. Only king donnie gets to illegally profit. And don't you fergit it.
tymfinity46
(14 posts)OTA, and all of the U.S. team so far