Over 1,000 Websites Shut Down for Illegal World Cup Streaming

WHO:

CBS News - U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center, FIFA, NBCUniversal, beIN Media Group, Warner Bros., Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment, UFC.

KABB - Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva, Director Ivan J. Arvelo of the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center, Deputy Executive Associate Director Matthew Millhollin of HSI.

WHAT:

CBS News - The DOJ stated that the operation involved the seizure of more than 1,000 internet domains accused of illegally streaming FIFA World Cup matches, specifically noting that the crackdown was intended to protect intellectual property rights and consumers.

KABB - The DOJ reported that the operation included the blocking of hundreds of illegal streaming sites, with specific numbers including 14 in Argentina, 223 in Ecuador, 28 in Peru, 309 in Brazil, 256 in the Dominican Republic, and 1,140 in Colombia.

KABB - The DOJ confirmed that Colombian authorities conducted 13 nationwide search-and-seizure operations targeting counterfeit sports apparel, resulting in 11 arrests and convictions.

KABB - The DOJ stated that an affidavit supporting a seizure warrant was filed in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.

KABB - The DOJ's Operation Offsides was conducted in coordination with HSI Washington, D.C., HSI Attaché offices, and private sector and law enforcement partners globally.

CBS News - The DOJ stated that the operation involved the seizure of more than 1,000 internet domains accused of illegally streaming FIFA World Cup 2026 matches.

KABB - The DOJ reported that the operation included nearly 400 sites seized by the end of the previous month.

KABB - The DOJ confirmed that the domains were actively broadcasting World Cup matches without authorization.

KABB - The DOJ's Operation Offsides was described as one of the largest anti-piracy enforcement actions tied to a sporting event.

CBS News - The DOJ described the operation as one of the largest anti-piracy enforcement actions tied to a sporting event, specifically noting that it involved more than 1,000 internet domains.

KABB - The DOJ stated that the operation resulted in the blocking of hundreds of illegal streaming sites, including 14 in Argentina, 223 in Ecuador, 28 in Peru, 309 in Brazil, 256 in the Dominican Republic, and 1,140 in Colombia.

KABB - The DOJ reported that Colombian authorities conducted 13 nationwide search-and-seizure operations targeting counterfeit sports apparel, resulting in 11 arrests and convictions.

CBS News - The DOJ described the operation as one of the largest anti-piracy enforcement actions tied to a sporting event.

KABB - The DOJ reported that the seizures included 14 illegal streaming sites in Argentina, 223 in Ecuador, 28 in Peru, 309 in Brazil, 256 in the Dominican Republic, and 1,140 in Colombia.

KABB - The DOJ stated that the operation resulted in 11 arrests and convictions related to counterfeit sports apparel in Colombia.

CBS News - The DOJ seized more than 1,000 internet domains accused of illegally streaming FIFA World Cup matches.

KABB - The domains were engaged in unauthorized streaming of matches in violation of U.S. copyright law.

KABB - The seizures occurred over three separate actions during the World Cup, including nearly 400 sites seized by the end of the previous month.

KABB - Colombian authorities arrested four suspected members of a cybercrime organization on July 17 as part of the operation.

WHERE:

CBS News - The operation unfolded online and involved international cooperation with authorities in Colombia and Europe.

KABB - The DOJ's actions included operations in multiple cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, where the World Cup was hosted.

WHEN:

KABB - Phase II of Operation Red Card was launched on July 10, 2026, executing simultaneous operations in Colombia.

CBS News - The operation, dubbed Operation Offsides, took place during the month-long FIFA World Cup tournament.

KABB - A two-day intergovernmental meeting in Bogotá, Colombia, was held on July 1 and 2.

KABB - Phase II of Operation Red Card was launched on July 10.

WHY:

CBS News - The enforcement effort aimed to protect intellectual property rights and consumers from cybersecurity risks associated with illegal streaming.

KABB - The DOJ stated that the unauthorized broadcast of World Cup matches violates intellectual property rights and fuels criminal organizations.

HOW:

KABB - The DOJ's Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section has secured the conviction of more than 180 cybercriminals and intellectual property criminals since 2020, along with court orders for the return of more than $350 million in victim funds.

KABB - The DOJ's Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section has secured the conviction of more than 180 cybercriminals and intellectual property criminals since 2020, along with court orders for the return of more than $350 million in victim funds.

KABB - The DOJ's actions were part of "Operation Red Card," which included simultaneous operations in Colombia targeting illegal streaming and counterfeit merchandise.

KABB - The DOJ's Operation Offsides was conducted in coordination with HSI Washington, D.C., HSI Attaché offices, and private sector and law enforcement partners globally.

KABB - The DOJ's Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section has secured the conviction of more than 180 cybercriminals and intellectual property criminals since 2020, along with court orders for the return of more than $350 million in victim funds.

KABB - The DOJ's actions were part of "Operation Red Card," which included simultaneous operations in Colombia targeting illegal streaming and counterfeit merchandise.

CBS News - The investigation was led by HSI's Washington Field Office and the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center, with assistance from various media companies.

KABB - The DOJ filed an affidavit supporting a seizure warrant in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.

KABB - Authorities conducted simultaneous operations in Colombia, targeting illegal streaming and counterfeit merchandise.

The Department of Justice has launched Operation Offsides, seizing over 1,000 internet domains accused of illegally streaming FIFA World Cup matches to protect intellectual property rights and consumers. This operation also included blocking hundreds of illegal streaming sites across several countries, with significant numbers in Colombia, Brazil, and Ecuador, and resulted in 11 arrests related to counterfeit sports apparel in Colombia. Since 2020, the DOJ's Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section has secured convictions for more than 180 cybercriminals and has obtained court orders for the return of over $350 million in victim funds.