Operation Offsides: DOJ Seizes 400 Domains for Illegal World Cup Streaming

The U.S. Department of Justice seized nearly 400 domain names used to illegally stream live FIFA World Cup matches, the agency announced on Friday. The operation, dubbed Operation Offsides, targeted websites broadcasting without authorization in one of the largest anti-piracy enforcement actions tied to a sporting event.

The scale of the seizure is five times larger than the previous crackdown on illegal World Cup streams, according to the DOJ. The domains were identified through cooperation between federal authorities, FIFA, NBCUniversal, Warner Bros. Discovery, and other private-sector partners.

International Enforcement Extends Beyond U.S. Borders

Authorities disrupted servers and domain infrastructure in Peru and Bulgaria, with additional enforcement actions in Croatia, Romania, Poland, and Colombia. The goal was to dismantle organized piracy networks capitalizing on the global appeal of the World Cup.

• The seized domains now display a federal seizure notice bearing the seals of the DOJ and Homeland Security Investigations.
• Officials warned that illegal streaming sites expose visitors to cybersecurity risks including malware, phishing attempts, and insecure connections.
• The 2026 FIFA World Cup is drawing record attendance and television audiences across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
• The operation represents the largest domain seizure tied to a single sporting event, according to the DOJ.

What Comes Next for Pirate Streaming Operators

Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva described the operation as part of the United States' responsibility as a World Cup host nation. "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 said. Authorities have made it clear that further domain seizures and criminal prosecutions remain on the table for operators who continue to profit from unauthorized streams. The DOJ and HSI are continuing to investigate and target additional piracy networks.