Nearly 1,400 illegal websites streaming unauthorised 2026 FIFA World Cup matches have lost access to advertising revenue as authorities and industry groups intensify efforts to curb digital piracy.
The latest action forms part of a broader campaign to disrupt illegal broadcasts and weaken the financial networks that sustain pirate streaming platforms during the tournament.
According to The Athletic, “Nearly 1,400 illegal World Cup streaming sites have had their advertising revenue cut off as part of the wider fight against digital piracy.”
The move was coordinated by the Trustworthy Accountability Group, a non-profit organisation established by the global advertising industry to combat ad-related crime.
The latest development comes days after the United States Department of Justice seized nearly 400 websites accused of illegally streaming World Cup matches under “Operation Offsides.”
The Athletic reported that the objective is to deprive illegal streaming platforms of a key source of income, making it more difficult for them to continue operating during the tournament being hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Illegal streaming has continued to grow as many football fans seek free alternatives to official broadcasts, which are often restricted by subscription fees or geographical limitations.
The Trustworthy Accountability Group’s intervention targets advertising networks whose adverts appear on pirate websites, whether knowingly or inadvertently.
Authorities believe cutting off advertising revenue will weaken the business model that enables illegal streaming operations to flourish despite the availability of legitimate viewing options.
The renewed enforcement also reflects wider concerns over intellectual property theft in sports broadcasting.
FIFA and its broadcast partners have continued efforts to combat unauthorised streams, arguing that piracy undermines the value of broadcast rights agreements that help fund football competitions and development programmes.
The crackdown has generated mixed reactions online.
One social media user, identified as #weirdfigs, wrote: “The World Cup belongs to the world, all games should be universally available, FIFA must be dismantled and replaced with a body which prioritises sport over money.”
Another user, #Kingsmaniq, said: “This World Cup has been so strict with streaming and other things. Making it boring.”
Authorities are continuing to monitor new websites that may emerge to replace those affected by the crackdown, while urging supporters to watch matches through authorised broadcasters to avoid potential legal consequences and cybersecurity risks associated with illegal streaming.
