WASHINGTON: The United States has blocked or seized nearly 3,000 websites and domains involved in the illegal streaming of 2026 FIFA World Cup matches, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) announced, marking one of the largest global crackdowns on online sports piracy.
According to the DOJ, more than 1,000 domains were taken down in the United States, while a similar number were blocked in Colombia. The coordinated enforcement operation was carried out by US and South American authorities under investigations codenamed “Operation Offsides” and “Operation Red Card.”
The crackdown targeted websites that illegally broadcast World Cup matches without authorization, violating intellectual property laws and causing significant financial losses to broadcasters and rights holders.
Ivan J. Arvelo, Director of the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center (NIPRCC), said unauthorized streaming of FIFA World Cup matches not only infringes on intellectual property rights but also generates revenue for criminal organizations.
“Illegal broadcasting fuels criminal enterprises while depriving legitimate broadcasters and content creators of their rightful revenue,” Arvelo said.
The DOJ revealed that it had already shut down around 400 illegal streaming webpages at the end of last month. The latest enforcement actions have now pushed the total number of seized or blocked websites close to 3,000.
Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva said the operation demonstrates the US government’s commitment to protecting intellectual property rights and ensuring the success of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“The sustained effort to seize more than a thousand domains dedicated to illegally streaming the World Cup confirms our commitment to protecting intellectual property and supporting the integrity of the tournament,” Duva said.
The operation was largely coordinated by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), through its National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center.
Illegal sports streaming has become a growing global challenge, with piracy websites often created specifically for major sporting events. Broadcasters and media companies estimate that online piracy costs the sports industry billions of dollars every year, prompting authorities to intensify enforcement efforts against digital copyright violations.
