The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced the seizure of nearly 400 domains used to illegally stream FIFA World Cup 2026 matches, marking a significant crackdown on global digital piracy networks.
The operation, conducted under “Operation Offsides,” targeted websites that were broadcasting live World Cup matches without authorization, in violation of U.S. copyright laws.
Authorities confirmed that these domains were actively offering real-time streams of matches as they were being officially aired.
Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva stated that the action aims to disrupt international criminal networks profiting from illegal streaming services.
He emphasized that protecting intellectual property rights is a priority, especially given that the United States is 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 key role in identifying and seizing the domains.
U.S. Seizes Hundreds of Domains
Officials warned that illegal streaming platforms not only violate copyright laws but also pose serious cybersecurity risks to users.
According to HSI, users accessing such sites may be exposed to malware, phishing attacks, and unsecured connections that can compromise sensitive personal and financial information. These risks make piracy websites a common vector for cybercriminal activity.
The investigation was supported by 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 helped identify infringing domains and provided critical intelligence. Authorities revealed that servers and domains linked to illegal streaming were traced 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, which enables 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 U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) said its Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) has led efforts against cyber-enabled IP crimes, securing over 180 convictions and recovering more than $350 million since 2020.
The 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.
