U.S. authorities have seized more than 1,000 internet domains that were used to illegally stream FIFA World Cup 2026 matches as part of a large-scale anti-piracy campaign carried out during the tournament. The enforcement effort, led by the Department of Justice (DOJ), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center (IPR Center), targeted websites broadcasting live matches without authorization in violation of U.S. copyright law.
The domain seizures took place across three separate enforcement actions conducted throughout the month-long tournament. They include nearly 400 domains that were taken offline in late June, as well as hundreds of additional websites identified before the World Cup concluded. According to the DOJ, more than 1,000 domains were ultimately seized, while authorities in Colombia also blocked nearly 2,000 additional domains linked to the same illegal streaming ecosystem.
Investigators said the domains were identified with assistance from FIFA and several media and entertainment organizations, including beIN Media Group, NBCUniversal, the Motion Picture Association’s Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE), Warner Bros., and the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Information provided by these organizations helped law enforcement locate websites that were illegally distributing live broadcasts of World Cup matches.
According to court documents, many of the seized websites were actively streaming World Cup matches when the warrants were executed. Visitors attempting to access those domains are now redirected to seizure notices stating that the websites have been taken over by U.S. authorities as part of Operation Offsides, an international initiative aimed at disrupting online piracy networks.
The investigation also extended beyond domain names. Earlier stages of the operation targeted servers located in countries including Peru and Bulgaria, while additional enforcement actions disrupted infrastructure in Croatia, Romania, Poland, and Colombia. Authorities said the operation relied on cooperation between domestic and international law enforcement agencies, together with private-sector partners involved in protecting broadcasting rights.
Federal officials said the operation was intended not only to protect intellectual property rights but also to reduce cybersecurity risks associated with illegal streaming websites. According to Homeland Security Investigations, unauthorized streaming platforms frequently expose visitors to malicious advertising, malware, credential theft, and fraudulent payment schemes. Officials warned that users seeking free access to copyrighted broadcasts may unknowingly place their devices and personal information at risk.
The Department of Justice described the campaign as its largest sports piracy enforcement effort to date and indicated that additional investigations are continuing. Authorities will use evidence collected during the operation to identify individuals and organizations responsible for operating the illegal streaming services and pursue further enforcement actions where appropriate.