US government seizes over 1,000 websites streaming FIFA World Cup
The US government has carried out a major anti piracy operation targeting websites that illegally streamed matches from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The initiative, called Operation Offsides, was coordinated by the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center and supported by the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment, ACE.
During a 30 day period surrounding the World Cup, authorities seized more than 1,000 illegal streaming websites and blocked 1,970 domains distributing unauthorized broadcasts of tournament matches.
The operation had a significant international dimension. Investigations involved 14 partners operating across 54 countries, with Homeland Security Investigations in Washington leading the effort. The US Department of Justice also participated through the Eastern District of Virginia and its Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section.
Authorities relied heavily on cooperation between government agencies and private companies. The IPR Center received more than 3,000 leads concerning domains suspected of illegally streaming World Cup matches, supplied by ACE and other public and private sector partners.
ACE represents many of the world’s largest entertainment companies, including Amazon, Apple TV, Netflix, Paramount Global, Sony Pictures, Universal Studios, Disney and Warner Bros. Discovery. The coalition praised Operation Offsides as an example of how rapid cooperation between rightsholders and law enforcement can disrupt large scale sports piracy.
ACE Chairman Charles Rivkin said major global sporting events such as the World Cup are particularly attractive to piracy networks because criminals can exploit enormous worldwide demand for live broadcasts. These operations can undermine legitimate distribution, generate illegal profits and expose viewers to additional risks.
IPR Center Director Ivan J. Arvelo emphasized that unauthorized World Cup broadcasting violates intellectual property rights and can financially support criminal organizations. He said coordinated enforcement helps disrupt illegal distribution while directing fans toward legitimate and secure viewing services.
Overall, Operation Offsides demonstrates the increasingly international and coordinated approach being used against live sports piracy, combining intelligence from rightsholders with rapid domain seizures and blocking measures across multiple jurisdiction
