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

WHO:

AOL.com - The Department of Justice (DOJ) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) were involved in the operation.

IBC.org - The National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center (IPR Center) led the operation, with support from 14 partners across 54 countries, including the DOJ's Eastern District of Virginia Assistant U.S. Attorney’s Office and the DOJ Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section.

IBC.org - Members of the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE) include Amazon, Apple TV, Netflix, Paramount Global, Sony Pictures, Universal Studios, The Walt Disney Studios, and Warner Bros. Discovery.

WHAT:

AOL.com - At least 1,000 internet domains were seized for illegally streaming FIFA World Cup finals.

IBC.org - Over a 30-day period, authorities seized more than 1,000 websites and blocked 1,970 website domains that illegally streamed FIFA World Cup matches.

IBC.org - The operation was named “Operation Offsides.”

WHERE:

AOL.com - The warrant was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.

IBC.org - The operation involved international collaboration, including countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Paraguay, and Peru.

WHEN:

IBC.org - The operation took place over a 30-day period.

WHY:

AOL.com - The seizures were part of an ongoing effort to protect copyright and reduce the risk to American consumers from malicious software embedded in illicit streaming services.

IBC.org - The unauthorized broadcast of World Cup matches violates intellectual property rights and fuels criminal organizations.

HOW:

AOL.com - The DOJ coordinated with governmental organizations abroad to conduct the operation.

IBC.org - The IPR Center received more than 3,000 leads on domains suspected of illegally streaming the FIFA World Cup from ACE and other partners.

(UPDATED July 24, 2026 07:52 UTC)

In a significant operation named "Operation Offsides," the Department of Justice and Homeland Security Investigations worked alongside the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center and 14 partners across 54 countries to combat illegal streaming of FIFA World Cup matches. Over a 30-day period, authorities seized more than 1,000 internet domains and blocked nearly 2,000 others, all in an effort to protect copyright and safeguard American consumers from potential malware associated with illicit streaming services. This initiative involved international collaboration, with countries like Argentina, Brazil, and Colombia participating, and was supported by major entertainment companies including Amazon, Netflix, and Disney.