US Authorities Shut Down 400 Illegal World Cup Streaming Providers

In the course of the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup, U.S. authorities have shut down nearly 400 illegal streaming providers. This action was carried out as part of the so-called Operation Offsides, as confirmed by a statement from the U.S. Attorney's Office. The providers were primarily focused on broadcasting World Cup matches and operated mainly from countries such as Peru and Bulgaria. The operation was conducted in collaboration with major media companies like NBC Universal, UFC, and Warner Brothers, which have a strong interest in protecting their content from illegal distribution.

The blocked websites included domains such as viper-play.org, surfg.org, and kevinsport.com. U.S. authorities not only seized the mentioned domains but also over 300 additional illegal streaming sites hosted in various countries. In addition to Peru and Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania, Poland, and Colombia were also affected. The exact number of blocked sites may still increase as investigations continue. The press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office did not provide information about possible arrests or the seizure of funds, accounts, or crypto wallets.

Authorities, however, are focused on holding the operators of these illegal services accountable. The measures are part of a broader strategy to combat copyright infringement on the internet. The blocked providers were not only specialized in providing World Cup matches but also offered a variety of other sports broadcasts. The use of such illegal streaming services carries significant risks, including legal consequences and the danger of falling victim to malware. Users should be aware of the dangers associated with accessing such sites.

U.S. authorities warn that operators of illegal streaming services often maintain lists of their users. This could expose users to legal action. Therefore, authorities strongly advise against resorting to illegal offerings and instead recommend using legal alternatives. For fans wishing to follow the World Cup matches, there are legal ways to do so. One option is to use a VPN service to access legal streaming offerings.

Alternatively, viewers can also watch the games broadcast on free TV or participate in public viewing events. Operation Offsides is not the first of its kind, but it demonstrates the determination of U.S. authorities to combat illegal streaming services. The measures are part of a larger trend that has intensified in recent years as more people attempt to access low-cost or free streaming services. The U.S. Attorney's Office has announced that it will continue to take action against illegal streaming offerings. Authorities emphasize that protecting copyrights and combating piracy is a high priority.

The exact number of blocked sites may change in the coming weeks as further investigations take place. The blocked domains often ended in .com, .org, .net, or .app, indicating that the operators attempted to make their services as accessible as possible. However, U.S. authorities have the technical means to identify and shut down these sites. Operation Offsides is an example of international cooperation in the fight against illegal streaming services. U.S. authorities are working closely with other countries and international organizations to combat the spread of piracy on the internet.

This collaboration could become even more intense in the future to enhance the effectiveness of the measures. The U.S. Attorney's Office has emphasized in its statement that combating copyright infringement is a shared responsibility. Consumers are encouraged to educate themselves about the risks of illegal streaming services and to use legal alternatives. Authorities plan to intensify their educational campaigns in the coming months. Operation Offsides was completed on June 30, 2026, and authorities have already reported initial successes.