DOJ seizes more than 1,000 domains used for illegal World Cup streams
Unauthorized streaming opens your device to unknown risks, including malware.
Lionel Messi. 2026. By Hector Vivas - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
- The DOJ seized more than 1,000 domains that illegally streamed 2026 FIFA World Cup matches.
- FIFA helped identify the sites, with support from NBC Universal, ACE, and Warner Bros.
- Authorities said the operation protected broadcast rights and warned illegal streams can expose users to malware and payment theft.
- Colombian authorities also searched counterfeit merchandise networks, leading to 11 arrests and convictions.
Key Takeaways by nexos.ai, reviewed by Cybernews staff.
The US Department of Justice (DOJ) has taken down more than 1,000 domains that illegally streamed matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The domains were seized over three separate operations during the World Cup, which featured a total of 104 matches.
According to court documents, the seized domains were used to livestream football matches without authorization. FIFA holds the exclusive rights to broadcast all matches. Doing so without FIFA's consent constitutes copyright infringement.
The websites were identified with the help of FIFA, and supporting information was provided by companies such as NBC Universal, the Motion Picture Association’s Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE), and Warner Bros.
When the authorities took the websites offline, they published a so-called splash page, informing visitors that the website had been seized as part of Operation Offsides to protect consumers and enforce intellectual property rights worldwide.
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“These coordinated actions resulted in the blocking of hundreds of illegal streaming sites, including 14 in Argentina, 223 in Ecuador, 28 in Peru, 309 in Brazil, 256 in the Dominican Republic, and 1,140 in Colombia,” the Department of Justice states in a press release.
In addition, Colombian authorities conducted 13 search warrants targeting the manufacturers and distributors of counterfeit sports merchandise, which led to 11 arrests and convictions.
Streaming content from illicit websites opens your devices to unknown risks, Matthew Millhollin, Deputy Executive Associate Director of Homeland Security Investigations (HIS), warns.
“Criminals operating these unauthorized platforms are already willing to break the law when they stream copyrighted World Cup games – they might also be planning to inject malware or steal your payment information. Protect your online presence and enjoy the finals with official streaming partners,” Millhollin adds.
Ever since the FIFA World Cup 2026 began, multiple fraud campaigns have been launched.
Earlier this month, hackers tried to exploit the World Cup 2026 event through a sophisticated phishing campaign, designed to lure gullible people into downloading Voidrift malware.
In May, a few weeks before the sporting event began, Group-IB researchers uncovered 6 fraud schemes, 4 independent threat actors, and over 4,300 fraudulent domains impersonating FIFA's official web presence.
