U.S. authorities have seized or blocked more than 1,000 websites that were illegally streaming World Cup matches, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced. This action, part of investigations dubbed "Operation Offsides" and "Operation Red Card," was conducted in coordination with enforcement agencies across South America.
Ivan J. Arvelo, director of the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center (NIPRCC), stated that the unauthorized broadcasting of World Cup games infringes on intellectual property rights and contributes to the funding of criminal organizations. The DOJ noted that these efforts are part of a broader commitment to protecting intellectual property and ensuring the success of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The enforcement actions have been primarily led by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which oversees the NIPRCC. The illegal streaming of major sporting events is a significant issue, with companies and broadcasters estimating billions of dollars in annual losses due to piracy. The high cost of legitimate broadcasting rights has sometimes led fans to seek out unauthorized streams.
FIFA, the organizer of the World Cup, along with entities like beIN Media Group, NBC Universal, Ultimate Fighting Championship, and Warner Brothers, supported the crackdown. These organizations rely heavily on broadcasting rights for revenue.
In addition to the U.S. actions, over 1,000 domains were also blocked or shut down in Colombia. The Colombian Attorney General's Office reported making several arrests in connection with these operations, including four individuals identified as part of a cybercriminal group allegedly involved in illegally accessing and distributing World Cup game feeds. Furthermore, 830 websites in Argentina, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, and the Dominican Republic were also taken down.
Colombian authorities also conducted "nationwide search-and-seizure operations" related to counterfeit sports merchandise. The DOJ reported that 11 individuals in the U.S. have been arrested and convicted for the illegal manufacturing and distribution of fake sporting goods. Charles Rivkin, chairman of the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE), an organization that combats digital piracy and assisted in the enforcement effort, commented that global live events like the World Cup are prime targets for piracy networks.
While the DOJ reported taking down 400 webpages for illegal World Cup streaming late last month, the recent announcement indicates a significant expansion of that effort, encompassing thousands of domains worldwide.