Unauthorized World Cup 2026 live streams flood the internet

Despite official broadcasts on Vietnam's national television VTV, a multitude of unauthorized websites are illegally streaming the 2026 World Cup. On June 14, as the Scotland vs. Haiti match was being shown on VTV, numerous other web addresses, many featuring the "Xoilac TV" moniker, were actively providing unauthorized live streams.

Users accessing these sites encounter a consistent interface, similar to the "Xoilac TV" platform, allowing them to select and watch live World Cup matches. These illegal streaming platforms are saturated with advertisements promoting illicit gambling and betting services, actively soliciting clicks from viewers.

Experts note that the high demand for major sporting events like the World Cup in Vietnam generates substantial traffic and advertising revenue, often linked to disguised betting sites. This lucrative market incentivizes the rapid replication of streaming models, with hundreds or even thousands of variations of platforms like "Xoilac TV" emerging to replace any that are shut down. The illegal broadcasters also increasingly utilize social media, using private Facebook groups, TikTok accounts, and Telegram channels, employing tactics like screen flipping and audio manipulation to evade AI-based copyright filters during live matches.

In response, authorities have been actively combating copyright infringement. As of late May 2026, over 2,036 cases of suspected intellectual property rights violations were identified. Administrative actions have been taken against 1,616 cases, resulting in fines totaling nearly 17.9 billion Vietnamese dong and the seizure of infringing goods valued at over 115.5 billion dong. Furthermore, legal proceedings have been initiated, with 44 criminal cases filed related to intellectual property rights violations, leading to prosecutions and court trials.