• WHO: U.S. Department of Justice, National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center, HSI Washington Field Office, FIFA, beIN Media Group, NBC Universal, MPA's Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE), Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), Warner Brothers.
  • WHAT: Seized nearly 400 internet domains illegally streaming FIFA World Cup matches.
  • WHERE: Eastern District of Virginia, with international coordination.
  • WHEN: Announced today, targeting ongoing 2026 World Cup match streams.
  • STATUS: Domains seized; an ongoing investigation as part of Operation Offsides.

The United States Department of Justice has announced the seizure of nearly 400 internet domains accused of illegally streaming FIFA World Cup matches, violating U.S. copyright laws and disrupting criminal networks profiting from the sport's global popularity.

The domains were seized following an affidavit filed in the Eastern District of Virginia, which detailed the unauthorized broadcast of real-time 2026 World Cup matches. This action is part of a broader initiative known as Operation Offsides, led by the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center.

What Happened

According to a release from the Department of Justice, the seized domains were allegedly used to illegally offer copyright-protected content, specifically live streams of 2026 World Cup matches. Special agents with Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) confirmed these domains were actively broadcasting matches without authorization, as detailed in an affidavit supporting a seizure warrant.

Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division stated the operation aims to disrupt international networks that profit from the World Cup's popularity, emphasizing the Department's commitment to intellectual property rights. Director Ivan J. Arvelo of the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center added that such unauthorized broadcasts violate intellectual property rights and contribute to criminal organizations, leading to the identification and seizure of hundreds of domains.

FIFA, the international governing body for soccer and exclusive rights holder for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, assisted in identifying the seized domains. Additional support and information were provided by beIN Media Group, NBC Universal, the Motion Picture Association’s Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE), Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), and Warner Brothers. The operation involved coordination with international partners through the International Computer Hacking and Intellectual Property (ICHIP) Network of U.S. prosecutors, with leads provided by U.S. authorities to assist in identifying related domains globally.

The Charges Explained

While specific charges were not itemized in the release, the actions described involve violations of U.S. copyright law. Copyright law protects original works of authorship, including live broadcasts, and grants exclusive rights to the copyright holder to reproduce, distribute, and display their work. Unauthorized streaming of copyrighted content, such as live sports events, can constitute copyright infringement, which can carry civil and criminal penalties, including fines and imprisonment, depending on the scale and nature of the infringement.

These cases are often pursued under statutes related to intellectual property theft or fraud, where individuals or entities knowingly infringe on copyrights for commercial gain. The Department of Justice highlighted their intent to disrupt and, where appropriate, prosecute individuals responsible for this criminal activity, suggesting potential future charges against those identified as operating these illegal streaming services.

How These Cases Move Through Court

Cases involving federal copyright violations begin with an investigation, often by agencies like HSI. If sufficient evidence is gathered, a prosecutor with the U.S. Attorney's Office or the Department of Justice will present the case to a grand jury, which decides whether to issue an indictment. An indictment formally charges an individual or entity with a federal crime. Following an indictment, the accused would be arrested and brought before a federal magistrate judge for an arraignment, where they are informed of the charges and enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest). The court may also determine bail conditions at this stage. Both sides then engage in discovery, exchanging information and evidence. Most federal cases are resolved through plea agreements, where the defendant pleads guilty in exchange for a lesser charge or sentence. If no plea agreement is reached, the case proceeds to a trial, where a jury or judge hears evidence and renders a verdict. If convicted, the defendant is sentenced by a federal judge, whose decision can be appealed to a higher court.

Context & Background

Intellectual property theft, including copyright infringement, costs creators and industries billions of dollars annually. The Motion Picture Association (MPA), for example, estimates that digital piracy costs the U.S. economy billions of dollars each year and threatens hundreds of thousands of jobs. Live sporting events, particularly globally popular spectacles like the FIFA World Cup, are frequent targets for illegal streaming due to high demand and the exclusive broadcast rights held by specific media companies. These illegal operations often generate revenue through advertising, subscription fees, or malicious software distribution, posing financial and security risks to both rights holders and unsuspecting viewers. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is uniquely significant as it will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, making the protection of intellectual property rights a particularly high priority for U.S. authorities.

Recognizing and Reporting Fraud/White Collar

If you suspect illegal streaming or other forms of intellectual property fraud, you can report it to law enforcement. The FBI accepts tips and information regarding various federal crimes, including cybercrime and intellectual property theft, through its internet portal at tips.fbi.gov or by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI. For emergencies or immediate threats, dial 911. Be wary of websites or services that offer premium content, such as live sports broadcasts, for free or at significantly reduced prices, as these may be illegitimate and could expose users to malware or other online threats.

What Happens Next

The seized domains now display a message indicating they have been seized by federal authorities. The Department of Justice intends to continue its efforts to disrupt criminal activity related to illegal streaming. The ongoing investigation, part of Operation Offsides, may lead to further identification and potential prosecution of individuals or entities responsible for operating these unauthorized streaming services. The coordinated efforts with international partners suggest a continuing global approach to combating such intellectual property violations.