The United States government has said it seized nearly 400 websites illegally streaming the 2026 FIFA World Cup in violation of the country’s copyright law as part of an online raid tagged Operation Offsides. 

A statement by the Office of Public Affairs at the Department of Justice on Friday noted that the warrant to seize the domains was filed at the Eastern District of Virginia on the same day. 

The office stated that Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) confirmed that the websites were illegally streaming World Cup matches in real time and the domains were identified with the assistance of FIFA and several broadcasters.

“In support of the application for seizure authority, HSI special agents confirmed that the seized domains were actively broadcasting World Cup matches without authorisation.

“The seized domains were identified with assistance of FIFA, with further supporting information provided by beIN Media Group, NBC Universal, Motion Picture Association’s Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE), Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), and Warner Brothers,” the statement said. 

Authorities noted that confiscated servers originated from Peru and Bulgaria, which they alleged are the epicentres of black market streaming services as well as disruption to the operation in Croatia, Romania, Poland and Colombia. 

“Servers and domains linked to illegal streaming of World Cup games were targeted in Peru and Bulgaria, two known centers of online piracy activity. Additional ICHIP-supported disruptions took place in Croatia, Romania, Poland and Colombia,” the Public Affairs office noted. 

Commenting on the operation, the Assistant Attorney General Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, stated that the seizure demonstrates the U.S. government’s commitment to intellectual property protection.

“We have seized hundreds of domains, used to illegally stream World Cup matches for profit, to disrupt the international networks that profit from the global popularity of the World Cup,” Mr Duva stated. 

He added, “This operation illustrates the Department’s respect for intellectual property rights and the responsibility of the United States as a host nation to protect the FIFA World Cup from criminals. 

“The Criminal Division will continue to disrupt and, where appropriate, seek to prosecute these sites and the subjects responsible for this criminal activity.”

Meanwhile, the Director of National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Centre, Ivan Arvelo, said additional efforts were underway to ensure the World Cup is only televised legitimately.

“Through Operation Offsides and strong partnerships with law enforcement and the private sector, we identified and seized hundreds of domains, disrupting those who steal and distribute copyrighted content. 

“Our ongoing efforts ensure that the excitement of the World Cup reaches fans through legitimate, secure channels,” Mr Arvelo noted.