DOJ Seizes 1,000+ Websites, Blocks 1,970 Domains in World Cup Piracy Crackdown
Summary
U.S. and international authorities seized over 1,000 websites and blocked 1,970 domains used for unauthorized World Cup streaming. Officials warned of malware and data risks; a Colombia operation also led to four arrests.
Key points
- The U.S. Justice Department seized more than 1,000 websites and blocked 1,970 domains used to stream FIFA World Cup 2026 matches without authorization.
- Operation Offsides, led by the IPR Center with HSI Washington, involved 14 partners across 54 countries.
- Operation Red Card blocked illegal streaming sites in six Latin American countries.
- A second phase of Operation Red Card in Colombia led to the arrest of four people accused of illegally accessing telecommunications systems and selling pirated streaming content since at least 2024.
- Officials warned that illicit streaming services may expose users to malware, unsafe connections, scams, and risks to personal and financial data.
Article Details
- Event Type
- Law enforcement seizure and blocking of domains used for unauthorized FIFA World Cup streaming, alongside arrests linked to a separate piracy operation.
- Impact
- The U.S. Justice Department seized more than 1,000 websites and authorities blocked 1,970 domains used to stream FIFA World Cup 2026 matches without authorization. Operation Red Card blocked hundreds of sites across Latin America, and four alleged members of Los Ciberinfiltrados were arrested in Colombia. Officials warned that illicit streaming sites may expose users to malware, unsafe connections, scams, and theft of personal or financial data.
People
Andrew Tysen DuvaAssistant Attorney General who said Operation Offsides aimed to protect copyright and reduce consumer risks from malicious software embedded in illicit streaming services.Eric WeindorfHSI Special Agent in Charge who warned that illicit streaming services can expose viewers to malware and unsafe connections that may compromise personal and financial data.Ivan J. ArveloIPR Center director who described the domain seizures as disrupting parties involved in stealing and distributing copyrighted content.
Threat Actors
Countries
Argentinaauthorities also carried out “Operation Red Card,” blocking hundreds of illegal streaming sites in Argentina, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, and Colombia.Brazilout “Operation Red Card,” blocking hundreds of illegal streaming sites in Argentina, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, and Colombia.Colombiahundreds of illegal streaming sites in Argentina, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, and Colombia.Dominican RepublicRed Card,” blocking hundreds of illegal streaming sites in Argentina, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, and Colombia.Ecuadoralso carried out “Operation Red Card,” blocking hundreds of illegal streaming sites in Argentina, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, and Colombia.MexicoCollectively, these domains generated over 950 million visits every year, including around 230 million visits from Mexico alone.Perualso carried out “Operation Red Card,” blocking hundreds of illegal streaming sites in Argentina, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, and Colombia.United StatesThe U.S. Justice Department seized more than 1,000 websites and blocked 1,970 domains used to illegally stream FIFA World Cup 2026 matches, as part of coordinated operations with FIFA, ACE, and other media partners.