Over 1,000 Domains Targeted in World Cup Streaming Crackdown

WHO:

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

Yahoo - Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva commented on the enforcement action.

Yahoo - Matthew Millhollin, deputy executive associate director of HSI, provided a warning about unauthorized streaming platforms.

Yahoo - FIFA, beIN Media Group, NBCUniversal, the Motion Picture Association's Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment, UFC, and Warner Bros. supported the identification of seized domains.

WHAT:

AOL.com - The DOJ seized at least 1,000 internet domains that illegally streamed FIFA World Cup finals.

Yahoo - The operation, named "Operation Offsides," is described as the most sweeping sports-piracy enforcement action to date.

Yahoo - The seizures occurred in three waves, with the first wave announced on June 26, resulting in nearly 400 domains shut down.

Yahoo - The total number of seized domains surpassed 1,000 by July 20.

Yahoo - Colombian enforcement blocked 1,140 illegal streaming sites, while Brazil blocked 309, the Dominican Republic 256, Ecuador 223, Peru 28, and Argentina 14.

WHERE:

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

Yahoo - The operation extended to countries including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Paraguay, and Peru.

Yahoo - Specific locations in Colombia included Bogotá, Soacha, Maríalabaja, Manatí, and Sincerín.

WHEN:

Yahoo - The first wave of seizures was announced on June 26.

Yahoo - A Phase II operation in Colombia launched on July 10, resulting in arrests.

Yahoo - The total number of domains seized surpassed 1,000 by July 20.

WHY:

AOL.com - The DOJ stated the seizures aimed to protect copyright and reduce risks to American consumers from malicious software.

Yahoo - The crackdown was described as both a copyright and consumer-protection measure.

HOW:

AOL.com - The DOJ coordinated with international organizations to block illegal streaming sites.

Yahoo - HSI agents filed warrant applications in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia to confirm unauthorized broadcasts.

Yahoo - The operation involved simultaneous raids in Colombia targeting the cybercriminal group Los Ciberinfiltrados, which had been selling pirated streams.

(UPDATED July 26, 2026 13:22 UTC)

In a significant enforcement action, the U.S. Department of Justice and Homeland Security Investigations seized over 1,000 internet domains that illegally streamed FIFA World Cup finals, marking the most extensive sports-piracy crackdown to date. The operation, known as "Operation Offsides," involved international collaboration, with countries like Colombia and Brazil blocking hundreds of illegal streaming sites, and specific raids targeting a cybercriminal group in Colombia. Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva emphasized that this initiative aims to protect copyright and safeguard American consumers from potential risks associated with unauthorized streaming platforms.