DOJ Seizes Over 1,000 Domains Illegally Streaming FIFA World Cup Matches

The U.S. Department of Justice announced a significant enforcement action targeting illegal streaming of FIFA World Cup matches, resulting in the seizure of over 1,000 internet domains. These domains were engaged in unauthorized real-time broadcasts of World Cup Finals matches, violating U.S. copyright law.

The seizures occurred through three separate operations conducted during the World Cup, including nearly 400 domains seized by the end of the previous month. The investigations were led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington Field Office in collaboration with the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center.

Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the DOJ’s Criminal Division emphasized the administration’s commitment to intellectual property rights enforcement and the forthcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. “Operation Offsides is part of the Department’s ongoing effort to protect copyright while reducing the risk to American consumers from the malicious software embedded in many illicit streaming services,” Duva stated.

Director Ivan J. Arvelo of the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center highlighted the broader impact of unauthorized broadcasts, noting that such activities fuel criminal organizations. “Through Operation Offsides and strong partnerships with law enforcement and the private sector, we identified and seized hundreds of domains, disrupting those who steal and distribute copyrighted content. Our ongoing efforts ensure that the excitement of the World Cup reaches fans through legitimate, secure channels,” Arvelo said.

HSI Deputy Executive Associate Director Matthew Millhollin warned consumers about the dangers of illicit streaming platforms. “Streaming content from illicit websites opens your devices to unknown risks. 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 explained. He urged fans to protect their online presence by using official streaming partners.

The seizures were supported by an affidavit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, which detailed that the domains were actively offering unauthorized real-time streams of 2026 World Cup matches as they were being played and first broadcast. HSI special agents confirmed the domains’ involvement in illegal streaming activities.

Identification of the infringing domains was aided by FIFA, the international governing body of association football and exclusive rights holder for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Additional support and information were provided by beIN Media Group, NBC Universal, the Motion Picture Association’s Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE), Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), and Warner Brothers.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be hosted across multiple cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. These enforcement efforts underscore the DOJ’s proactive stance in protecting intellectual property rights and ensuring that fans access World Cup content through authorized and secure channels.