IPTV crackdown sees 27,000 illegal streams shut down as 'Operation Kratos 2' begins
A seven-month operation has resulted in a huge IPTV crackdown on the eve of the 2026 World Cup.
The summer festival of football gets underway on June 11 with co-hosts Mexico taking on South Africa in a rematch of the 2010 opener.
England will be looking to end their 60 years of hurt and finally win the World Cup for a second time, under Thomas Tuchel.
The Three Lions kick-off their campaign against Croatia in Dallas on June 17, but there's unlikely to be a huge contingent of supporters making the trip to the USA due to controversially high ticketing, accommodation and travel costs.
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Instead, millions will be watching from home, but the closure of 27,000 illegal streaming sites just before the tournament kicks off may prohibit that for many.
Operation Kratos 2 sees 27,000 illegal streaming sites removed
Co-led by Europol and Bulgaria's General Directorate Combating Organised crime, Operation Kratos 2 ran from September 2025 to April 26 2026 and has resulted in 27,000 illegal streaming URLS being removed.
According to Bleeping Computer, nine organised criminal gangs running the 'dodgy box' networks have been dismantled, with 29 arrests made, 148 searches completed and 86 suspects identified.
Authorities across 13 countries - the United Kingdom, Spain, Ireland, the USA, Belgium, Croatia, France, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania and Bulgaria - were all involved.
IPTVs have become increasingly popular in a world of rising TV and live streaming prices.
While the platforms also distribute copyrighted film and TV content, their rise to prominence came through streaming live sporting events, such as football games and PPV boxing events.
It's unsurprising that UEFA were pleased with the results of Operation Kratos 2.
"UEFA strongly supports coordinated international action against organised crime in the digital environment. We would like to thank all of the authorities and industry partners involved for their continued cooperation and contributions," a UEFA spokesperson said.
TV companies are putting increased pressure on law enforcement to deal with illegal streaming sites, with Sky winning access to IPTV users' details in March.
How to watch England and Scotland at the 2026 World Cup
Though the crackdown has come ahead of the World Cup, there is thankfully much easier ways to watch England and Scotland's games over in the USA, Mexico and Canada.
All of each nations' games in the tournament will be broadcast on Freeview channels, which are freely available to watch in the UK on TV and online, if you have a valid TV license.
England's opener against Croatia as well as their final group game vs Panama will be shown by ITV.
BBC have the rights for their second Group L game vs Ghana.
Scotland's first World Cup match since 1998 against Haiti will be shown by the BBC, as will their dream match vs Brazil, while their encounter with Morocco is on ITV.
Daniel Murphy