The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced the seizure of nearly 400 domains that were illegally streaming FIFA World Cup 2026 matches. This action, part of “Operation Offsides,” targets websites broadcasting live matches without authorization, violating U.S. copyright laws.
These domains were actively offering real-time streams of World Cup matches as they were officially aired. Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva emphasized that the operation aims to disrupt international criminal networks profiting from illegal streaming services. He highlighted the importance of protecting intellectual property rights, especially with the United States being one of the host nations for the 2026 World Cup.
Law enforcement agencies, including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center (IPR Center), played a crucial role in identifying and seizing these domains. Officials warned that illegal streaming platforms not only violate copyright laws but also pose significant cybersecurity risks to users. Accessing such sites can expose users to malware, phishing attacks, and unsecured connections, compromising sensitive personal and financial information.
The investigation received support from several private sector and international partners, including FIFA, NBCUniversal, beIN Media Group, Warner Bros., and the Motion Picture Association’s Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE). These organizations assisted in identifying infringing domains and provided critical intelligence. Authorities traced servers and domains linked to illegal streaming to countries such as Peru and Bulgaria, known hubs for online piracy. Additional enforcement actions were carried out in Croatia, Romania, Poland, and Colombia, highlighting the global scale of the operation.
The crackdown was coordinated through the International Computer Hacking and Intellectual Property (ICHIP) program, facilitating collaboration between U.S. prosecutors and international law enforcement agencies. The coordinated operation disrupted piracy infrastructure across multiple jurisdictions, with seizure banners placed on affected domains warning users against illegal streaming services.
The DOJ’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) has led efforts against cyber-enabled intellectual property crimes, securing over 180 convictions and recovering more than $350 million since 2020. This operation underscores the increasing intersection between cybercrime and digital piracy, with authorities reinforcing their commitment to dismantling illegal streaming ecosystems and protecting both consumers and content rights holders.
As digital piracy becomes more sophisticated and widespread, such coordinated international efforts are crucial in safeguarding intellectual property rights and ensuring the integrity of global sporting events. Consumers are advised to access content through legitimate channels to avoid legal repercussions and potential cybersecurity threats.
