WORLD CUP 2026: US government cracks down on piracy, seizes 400 illegal streaming websites
The United States government has launched a massive crackdown on digital piracy, seizing nearly 400 websites that were illegally streaming the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The coordinated online raid, codenamed “Operation Offsides,” was executed in violation of U.S. copyright laws. According to a statement released on Friday by the Office of Public Affairs at the U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ), a warrant authorizing the seizure of the domains was filed on the same day at the Eastern District of Virginia.
Global piracy network uncovered
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) confirmed that the targeted websites were broadcasting World Cup matches in real time without authorization. The operation exposed a sophisticated international network, with authorities revealing that the confiscated servers originated from Peru and Bulgaria—two nations identified as epicenters of black-market streaming services.
The sting also disrupted illicit streaming operations across several other countries, including Croatia, Romania, Poland and Colombia.
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The U.S. government successfully identified and flagged the fraudulent domains with the assistance of football’s global governing body, FIFA, alongside major international broadcasters and entertainment giants. Key partners included beIN Media Group, NBC Universal, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), Warner Brothers, and the Motion Picture Association’s Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE).
U.S. vows to protect World Cup integrity
Commenting on the development, Assistant Attorney General Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division emphasized that the massive seizure underscores America’s commitment to protecting intellectual property, especially as a tournament host.
“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,” Duva stated. “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.”
He added that the Criminal Division will continue to actively disrupt and prosecute the individuals behind these illicit networks.
Echoing this stance, Ivan Arvelo, the Director of the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Centre, assured football fans worldwide that law enforcement is working around the clock to ensure the tournament is viewed only through authorized channels.
“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,” Arvelo said. “Our ongoing efforts ensure that the excitement of the World Cup reaches fans through legitimate, secure channels.”
