US Cracks Down on FIFA World Cup Piracy: Seizes Over 1,000 Sites

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US authorities have dismantled over 1,000 websites and blocked 1,970 domains linked to unauthorized streaming of FIFA World Cup 2026 matches through coordinated global efforts.

Overview of the Crackdown

US authorities have taken down over 1,000 websites and blocked 1,970 domains linked to unauthorized streaming of FIFA World Cup 2026 matches. The action, part of a broader effort to combat digital piracy, involved collaboration between the U.S. Justice Department, FIFA, the Motion Picture Association’s Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE), and major entertainment entities such as beIN Media Group, NBCUniversal, UFC, and Warner Bros.

Key Collaborators and Operation Details

The operation leveraged intelligence from U.S. law enforcement agencies, including the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center (IPR Center) and the U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington. The seizures were conducted under Operation Offsides, a multinational initiative led by the IPR Center in partnership with HSI Washington and 14 international collaborators across 54 countries. By the end of June 2026, the effort had targeted nearly 400 web domains.

Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva emphasized the dual objectives of the operation: “Protecting intellectual property rights while minimizing risks to consumers from malicious software and insecure connections associated with illicit streaming platforms.”

International Operations and Arrests

In parallel, law enforcement executed “Operation Red Card,” which disrupted illegal streaming sites in Argentina, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, and Colombia. A second phase of the operation, launched on July 10 in Colombia, resulted in the arrest of four members of the Los Ciberinfiltrados cybercriminal group. The suspects face charges for unauthorized access to telecommunications systems and distributing pirated sports content since 2024.

HSI Special Agent in Charge Eric Weindorf added that such services often expose users to malware and data breaches, compromising sensitive personal and financial information.

Broader Implications and Global Efforts

IPR Center director Ivan J. Arvelo highlighted the role of partnerships in dismantling networks that profit from copyright violations: “Through coordinated efforts with global law enforcement and private sector allies, we have neutralized hundreds of domains, disrupting the flow of stolen content.”

FBI Warnings and Mexican Actions

The crackdown follows earlier warnings from the FBI in May about phishing sites impersonating FIFA to sell counterfeit tickets and hospitality packages. Mexican authorities also dismantled 44 domains tied to the PirloTV streaming platform and a large-scale sports piracy network in June. These sites reportedly attracted over 950 million annual visits, with 230 million originating from Mexico alone.

Conclusion

The operations underscore the growing challenge of combating digital piracy through international cooperation. By targeting both infrastructure and criminal networks, authorities aim to safeguard intellectual property while protecting users from cyber threats. The efforts align with broader strategies to address the proliferation of illicit streaming services, which continue to exploit gaps in digital enforcement and consumer demand for free content.