Washington, DC – The U.S. Department of Justice announced Friday that it seized nearly 400 internet domains allegedly used to illegally stream matches from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, disrupting what officials described as international piracy networks profiting from unauthorized broadcasts.
According to court filings, the domains were offering live streams of World Cup matches without authorization, violating U.S. copyright law. The seizures were carried out under warrants issued in the Eastern District of Virginia.
International piracy operation targeted
“We have seized hundreds of domains, used to illegally stream World Cup matches for profit, to disrupt the international networks that profit from the global popularity of the World Cup,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division.
“This operation illustrates the Department’s respect for intellectual property rights and the responsibility of the United States as a host nation to protect the FIFA World Cup from criminals. The Criminal Division will continue to disrupt and, where appropriate, seek to prosecute these sites and the subjects responsible for this criminal activity.”
Authorities said the websites were identified with assistance from FIFA and several media and entertainment companies, including beIN Media Group, NBCUniversal, the Motion Picture Association’s Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment, UFC, and Warner Bros.
Officials warn of security risks
The operation, known as Operation Offsides, was led by the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center in coordination with Homeland Security Investigations and international law enforcement partners.
“The unauthorized broadcast of World Cup matches violates intellectual property rights and fuels criminal organizations,” said Director Ivan J. Arvelo. “Through Operation Offsides and strong partnerships with law enforcement and the private sector, we identified and seized hundreds of domains, disrupting those who steal and distribute copyrighted content.”
Special Agent in Charge Eric Weindorf of HSI Washington warned that viewers also face cybersecurity risks when using illegal streaming sites.
“When you open your network to illegal streaming sites, you’re taking a significant risk,” Weindorf said. “These streamers not only violate copyright laws but also expose viewers to potential threats — including malware attacks and unsecure connections that can compromise personal and financial data.”
The Justice Department said the enforcement effort included coordination with authorities in Peru, Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania, Poland, and Colombia through its International Computer Hacking and Intellectual Property network. Visitors attempting to access the seized domains are now redirected to a federal seizure notice.
Key Points
- The Justice Department seized nearly 400 domains accused of illegally streaming FIFA World Cup matches.
- The operation involved Homeland Security Investigations, FIFA, and international law enforcement partners.
- Officials warned that illegal streaming websites may expose users to malware and other cybersecurity threats.
