THE DELHI HIGH COURT has granted a significant interim anti-piracy injunction in favor of Zee Entertainment Enterprises, protecting its exclusive broadcasting and streaming rights for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in India.
The order empowers Zee to block unauthorized streaming websites and mobile applications, while also allowing rapid action against future piracy threats during the tournament. It issued an ex parte interim injunction on June 3 after Zee argued that several “rogue websites” were advertising unauthorized streams of World Cup matches.
The Court found a prima facie case of copyright infringement and ordered blocking of identified pirate streaming websites, directions to internet service providers (ISPs), domain registrars, and relevant government authorities to disable access to infringing platforms.
A “dynamic injunction” mechanism allows Zee to seek swift blocking of new piracy websites and associated mobile apps that emerge during the tournament without filing fresh lawsuits each time.
The tournament is scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
The ruling comes just days before kickoff of the expanded FIFA World Cup 2026, which will be hosted across USA, Canada, and Mexico. With millions of Indian football fans expected to follow the tournament, rights holders face a major challenge from illegal streaming operations that can divert audiences and advertising revenue.
