The U.S. Justice Department, in collaboration with international partners, has executed a major enforcement action against illegal streaming of **FIFA World Cup 2026** content. Leads from organizations like **FIFA**, the **Motion Picture Association's Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE)**, and major entertainment networks including **beIN Media Group**, **NBCUniversal**, **Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC)**, and **Warner Bros.** were crucial in identifying these domains. ### A Coordinated Global Effort These seizures are the result of joint law enforcement actions led by the **National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center (IPR Center)** and **U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington**. **Operation Offsides**, a key component of this initiative, involved 14 partners across 54 countries. Assistant Attorney General **A. Tysen Duva** emphasized the dual objective of the operation: "Operation Offsides is part of the Department's ongoing effort to protect copyright while reducing the risk to American consumers from the malicious software embedded in many illicit streaming services." **HSI** Special Agent in Charge **Eric Weindorf** further elaborated on the dangers: "These streamers not only violate copyright laws but also expose viewers to potential threats — including malware attacks and unsecure connections that can compromise personal and financial data."  *Banner displayed on seized sites (U.S. Justice Department)* ### Operation Red Card and Cybercriminal Arrests In tandem with the Justice Department's International Computer Hacking and Intellectual Property program, law enforcement also conducted "**Operation Red Card**." This operation successfully blocked hundreds of illegal streaming sites across South and Central America, including Argentina, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, and Colombia. A second phase of **Operation Red Card** in Colombia led to the arrest of four members of the **Los Ciberinfiltrados** cybercriminal group. They face charges for illegally accessing telecommunications systems and distributing pirated streaming content since at least 2024. **IPR Center** director **Ivan J. Arvelo** underscored the impact: "The unauthorized broadcast of World Cup matches violates intellectual property rights and fuels criminal organizations. 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." ### Broader Context of Cyber Threats This announcement follows a **FBI** warning in May regarding fake **FIFA** websites. These sites were used for selling counterfeit tickets and hospitality packages, stealing personal and financial data, and other fraud schemes related to the upcoming event. In June, Mexican authorities also dismantled the **PirloTV** sports piracy network, seizing 44 domains. This network generated over 950 million visits annually, with approximately 230 million from Mexico alone, highlighting the vast scale of the illegal streaming industry.