Red Card for Piracy: Feds Seize Over 1,000 Illegal World Cup Streams

Targeted Crackdown on Piracy 

The US Department of Justice declared on July 20, 2026, that over 1,000 internet domains that were being utilized for illegal live streaming of 2026 FIFA World Cup matches had been successfully seized. This multi-phase government operation, code-named Operation Offsides, took place over the course of the month-long competition in three separate phases. In late June, about 400 illegal domains were removed, and as the competition drew to a close, hundreds more were shut down. The National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations carried out the investigation to protect property holders and prevent organized cybercrime.

Collaborative Efforts and Consumer Protection

International organizations including FIFA, beIN Media Group, NBCUniversal, and the Motion Picture Association provided crucial support to federal authorities in order to locate and destroy the illegal platforms. Officials emphasized that the sweep actively protected sports fans from serious cybersecurity risks in addition as protecting intellectual property rights, since pirate portals are often used as delivery systems for malware, financial scams, and credential theft. Through Operation Red Card, the Department of Justice collaborated with foreign partners throughout Latin America to stop thousands of cross-border pirated streams.

Author Notes

U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Public Affairs, United States Seizes More than 1,000 Internet Domains Used to Illegally Stream World Cup 2026 Matches (Published July 20, 2026)

About the Author

Carmen Estela is a Cybersecurity Research Analyst at Cyber Defense Magazine and a Women in Cybersecurity Award Candidate. She recently graduated with a Master’s of Science degree from the University of Central Florida and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology from the University of Florida with certifications in Data Analytics and AI Fundamentals. She frequently speaks and volunteers at well-known industry gatherings, such as BSides Orlando and BSides Jax, where she offers her perspectives on emerging cyber trends. Carmen is committed to advancing the standards of governance, risk, and compliance within cybersecurity. She has also served as an adult protective investigator, police dispatcher, and legal intern, applying investigative skills across law enforcement, academic, and public service settings. 

Reach her online at [email protected].