The Justice Department announced Monday it has dismantled a sprawling network of illegal streaming websites that broadcast matches from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, seizing more than 1,000 internet domains in what officials called a sustained effort to protect intellectual property rights.
The enforcement action, designated “Operation Offsides,” unfolded throughout the month-long tournament and resulted in the seizure of more than 1,000 websites while blocking nearly 2,000 additional domains, according to the DOJ. Federal investigators reported receiving upward of 3,000 leads during the operation.
“The sustained effort to seize more than a thousand domains dedicated to illegally streaming the World Cup confirms the administration’s commitment to intellectual property rights and to the success of the 2026 FIFA World Cup,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Criminal Division.
Security Risks Beyond Copyright Infringement
Beyond the copyright violations, federal authorities emphasized the cybersecurity dangers these unauthorized platforms pose to users who might believe they’re simply accessing free sports content.
Matthew Millhollin, Deputy Executive Associate Director of Homeland Security Investigations, warned that the operators of illegal streaming sites often have additional criminal intentions. “Criminals operating these unauthorized platforms are already willing to break the law when they stream copyrighted World Cup games, they might also be planning to inject malware or steal your payment information,” Millhollin said. “Protect your online presence and enjoy the finals with official streaming partners.”
Collaboration With Media Companies
The seized domains were offering users copyright-protected content in the form of real-time streams of tournament matches. Federal investigators worked in coordination with several major media companies to identify the infringing websites, including FIFA itself, beIN Media Group, NBC Universal, the Motion Picture Association’s Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment, Ultimate Fighting Championship, and Warner Brothers.
Once identified, the DOJ replaced the seized websites with federal seizure notices, alerting visitors that the domains had been taken down by law enforcement.
The operation represented an expansion of enforcement efforts that began last month, when authorities announced the seizure of nearly 400 domains in a preliminary action.
International Coordination
The domestic enforcement action was accompanied by international efforts to combat digital piracy related to the tournament. The DOJ’s International Computer Hacking and Intellectual Property program participated in “Operation Red Card,” a separate international initiative targeting digital piracy and counterfeiting connected to the World Cup in Colombia.
The coordinated crackdown reflects growing federal attention to online copyright infringement, particularly around major sporting events that draw massive global audiences and generate significant revenue for rights holders and legitimate broadcasting partners.
With the World Cup finals approaching, authorities urged viewers to use only official streaming partners to watch remaining matches, both to avoid potential legal consequences and to protect themselves from cybersecurity threats associated with illegal streaming platforms.
Source: www.dailywire.com โ https://www.dailywire.com/news/while-the-world-watched-soccer-the-doj-was-building-a-case