The Justice Department announced Monday that it seized more than 1,000 internet domains used to illegally stream matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The operation, dubbed "Operation Offsides," ran throughout the monthlong tournament and resulted in the seizure of 1,047 websites and the blocking of nearly 2,000 additional domains, according to DOJ officials. Investigators received more than 3,000 leads during the enforcement action.
The crackdown targeted sites that were illegally offering users access to copyright-protected content through real-time streams. FIFA, beIN Media Group, NBC Universal, the Motion Picture Association's Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment, Ultimate Fighting Championship, and Warner Brothers assisted investigators in identifying the infringing platforms. The DOJ replaced seized websites with federal seizure notices.
The operation expanded on an enforcement action announced last month that resulted in the seizure of nearly 400 domains. Separately, the DOJ said its International Computer Hacking and Intellectual Property program participated in "Operation Red Card," an international effort targeting digital piracy linked to the World Cup in Colombia.
What the Right Is Saying
Conservative commentators and Republican lawmakers praised the operation as a strong stand for property rights and the rule of law. Supporters argued that illegal streaming deprives legitimate businesses of revenue and undermines the economic model that funds sports broadcasting and entertainment production.
The Motion Picture Association's Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment, which participated in identifying infringing sites, said the operation demonstrated effective public-private partnership in protecting copyright holders. Industry groups have long argued that piracy costs American content creators billions of dollars annually.
Senator Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, who has championed intellectual property protections in Congress, called the seizure "a victory for content creators and legitimate businesses." She noted that illegal streaming operations often operate as organized criminal enterprises beyond simple individual infringement.
What the Left Is Saying
Progressive advocacy groups and Democratic lawmakers largely praised the operation as a necessary enforcement of intellectual property laws but raised questions about the scope and process of domain seizures. Consumer protection advocates noted that illegal streaming sites often expose users to malware and financial fraud risks, making enforcement action a public safety issue in addition to an IP matter.
The Electronic Frontier Foundation, while acknowledging the legitimate goals of copyright enforcement, has previously argued for judicial oversight in domain seizure cases. Civil liberties groups contend that administrative seizures can sometimes capture legitimate websites or fail to provide adequate due process protections for site operators before domains are taken offline.
Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts said in a statement that protecting intellectual property rights "supports American workers and creative industries." She added that the enforcement action demonstrated coordination between law enforcement and content creators to combat large-scale piracy operations.
What the Numbers Show
The DOJ seized 1,047 domains during Operation Offsides. Investigators blocked an additional 1,953 domains through domain name system blocking measures, bringing the total enforcement actions to approximately 3,000. The operation received more than 3,000 leads from content partners and public tips.
An enforcement action announced in June resulted in the seizure of nearly 400 domains, which authorities said represented a precursor to the larger World Cup operation. The international component, Operation Red Card, involved cooperation with Colombian authorities targeting piracy infrastructure in that country.
The DOJ replaced all seized domain landing pages with federal seizure notices informing visitors that the sites had been taken down as part of law enforcement action against copyright infringement. The content partners assisting investigators included FIFA itself along with major media conglomerates NBC Universal and Warner Brothers.
The Bottom Line
Operation Offsides represents one of the largest simultaneous anti-piracy enforcement actions in recent history, targeting illegal streaming infrastructure during a major sporting event that drew significant global viewership. The operation involved coordination between federal law enforcement, private content holders, and international partners.
Homeland Security Investigations Deputy Executive Associate Director Matthew Millhollin warned consumers about security risks beyond copyright infringement, noting that illegal streaming sites frequently expose users to malware and payment information theft. Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Criminal Division said the sustained effort "confirms the administration's commitment to intellectual property rights."
The enforcement action raises ongoing questions about domain seizure procedures and due process protections for website operators. Civil liberties advocates continue to monitor whether administrative seizure processes provide adequate opportunities for challenge before domains are permanently disabled.
What happens next: The DOJ is expected to pursue civil forfeiture proceedings against seized domains. Content industry groups say they will continue monitoring for redirected piracy operations as enforcement actions proceed.