The fight against online piracy is now entering a new phase. US authorities have launched one of the largest crackdowns on illegal sports content in recent years, seizing nearly 400 internet domains used to illegally broadcast matches from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The operation, codenamed Operation Offsides, was carried out in collaboration with international law enforcement agencies, copyright protection organizations and major sports broadcasting companies. In addition to protecting broadcasting rights, authorities emphasize that this action also aims to protect users from serious cyber threats that often hide behind illegal streaming platforms.
Nearly 400 websites down
According to the US Department of Justice, the seized websites provided illegal live broadcasts of World Cup matches, violating copyright laws.
See also: FIFA World Cup 2026: Fraud with fake sites and banking malware
Following their seizure, visitors to the specific domains now see an informational message from the authorities, stating that the websites were seized as part of Operation Offsides, an international operation coordinated by the US National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center in collaboration with law enforcement agencies and private sector entities.
The operation expanded to multiple countries, with authorities targeting servers and domains hosted in Peru, Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania, Poland, and Colombia, proving once again that online piracy is an international phenomenon that requires transnational cooperation.
Large organizations joined forces
The operation was based on information gathered from American agencies, as well as from important organizations in the sports and television rights sector.
Among them are FIFA, beIN Media Group, NBCUniversal, the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE), the Motion Picture Association, the UFC and Warner Bros., who have cooperated with law enforcement to identify the illegal services.
Increasingly close cooperation between government agencies and private companies is now considered essential, as illegal streaming networks use sophisticated techniques to constantly change infrastructure and domains, remaining active even after takedown operations.
The risks are not limited to piracy
Although many users believe that the only problem with illegal streams is copyright infringement, cybersecurity experts warn that the real risks are much greater.
See also: GHOST STADIUM: Phishing campaign targets FIFA World Cup 2026 fans
As Special Agent Eric Weindorf of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) pointed out, several of these websites act as malware distribution channels, often using insecure connections that can personal and financial information visitors'.
There are many cases where users who tried to watch a match for free ended up unwittingly installing malware, adware, or even software that steals passwords and banking information.
FBI warns of new scams
The operation took place a few weeks after a warning from the FBI, which had identified dozens of fake websites pretending to represent FIFA.
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These platforms promised tickets, VIP hospitality packages and exclusive offers for the 2026 World Cup, with the real aim of stealing personal data, credit card details and money from unsuspecting fans.
Cybercriminals exploit the popularity of major sporting events, knowing that millions of users are looking for tickets or alternative ways to watch the games.
The case of PirloTV
Of particular interest is the recent dismantling of the PirloTV, one of the most well-known illegal sports streaming platforms in Latin America.
In a joint operation by ACE, UEFA, UC3 and Mexican authorities, 44 domains associated with the service were shut down. According to the investigation, the network received more than 950 million visits per year, of which approximately 230 million came from Mexico alone. Despite repeated takedown attempts, PirloTV administrators constantly moved the service to new domains, following a practice that has become a common tactic in the world of online piracy.
Why illegal streaming remains so popular
Despite tougher penalties, illegal broadcasts continue to attract millions of users. A key reason is the fragmentation of television rights.
See also: Jetflicks: The administrator of the pirate streaming service is imprisoned
In many countries, fans need subscriptions to different platforms to watch an entire event, and in some cases, broadcasts are not even available on all devices. This complexity leads many users to seek out free alternatives, unaware of the risks involved.
How can users be protected?
Experts recommend that fans choose only official streaming services and avoid websites that promise free access to major sporting events.
Additionally, using up-to-date security software, enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA), paying attention to pop-ups, and avoiding downloading files from unknown sources can significantly reduce the risk of infection.
Operation Offsides demonstrates that the fight against online piracy is no longer just about protecting copyright. Illegal streaming platforms are increasingly becoming a vehicle for cyberattacks, financial fraud and the theft of personal data. As major sporting events such as the World Cup attract billions of viewers, authorities expect such operations to intensify in the coming years, with the aim of curbing both digital piracy and the cyber threats that accompany it.
Source: www.bleepingcomputer.com
