DOJ Seizes Nearly 400 Domains for Illegal World Cup Streaming and Malware Risks

On June 30, 2026, the U.S. Department of Justice announced the seizure of nearly 400 domains involved in illegally streaming the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This operation, named 'Operation Offsides 2026', is the largest sports-piracy enforcement action in U.S. history, surpassing the previous crackdown during the Qatar 2022 World Cup by five times. The seized sites were not only violating copyright laws but were also identified as malware delivery operations, posing significant risks to users' personal and financial data. The operation was supported by various organizations, including FIFA and NBCUniversal, and involved international cooperation targeting servers in countries like Peru and Bulgaria. The DOJ emphasized the dangers of using illegal streaming sites, which can compromise security without requiring users to download malware intentionally. A government banner now appears on the seized domains, indicating law enforcement action. The operation reflects the U.S. commitment to protecting intellectual property rights as a host nation for the World Cup.

Key Points: • Nearly 400 domains seized for illegal World Cup streaming, marking a historic enforcement action. • Seized sites were linked to malware delivery, risking users' personal and financial data. • International cooperation involved targeting servers in known piracy hubs like Peru and Bulgaria.