US shuts down nearly 400 websites streaming 2026 FIFA World Cup illegally

The United States government has seized nearly 400 websites accused of illegally streaming matches from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, in what authorities described as one of the largest international crackdowns on digital sports piracy.

The operation, codenamed Operation Offsides, was carried out by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) in collaboration with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and international law enforcement partners to dismantle networks profiting from unauthorized broadcasts of the global football tournament.

According to a statement issued by the DOJ’s Office of Public Affairs, seizure warrants for the domains were filed at the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia after investigators confirmed the websites were illegally transmitting live FIFA World Cup matches without authorization.

Authorities said HSI special agents verified that the domains were actively broadcasting World Cup games in real time, infringing U.S. copyright laws and depriving official broadcasters and rights holders of legitimate revenue.

The Justice Department disclosed that the websites were identified with intelligence and technical support from FIFA, beIN Media Group, NBCUniversal, the Motion Picture Association’s Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE), Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and Warner Bros.

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Officials said the coordinated operation also targeted servers and digital infrastructure linked to piracy networks operating in Peru and Bulgaria, which investigators described as major hubs for illegal online streaming.

Additional enforcement actions, supported through the International Computer Hacking and Intellectual Property (ICHIP) Network, were carried out in Croatia, Romania, Poland and Colombia, underscoring the global nature of the piracy networks.

Commenting on the operation, Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the DOJ’s Criminal Division said the seizures demonstrate the U.S. government’s commitment to protecting intellectual property rights and safeguarding the integrity of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

“We have seized hundreds of domains used to illegally stream World Cup matches for profit to disrupt the international networks that exploit the global popularity of the World Cup,” Duva said.

He added that, as one of the tournament’s host nations, the United States has a responsibility to protect FIFA’s commercial rights and pursue those responsible for online copyright infringement.

“The Criminal Division will continue to disrupt and, where appropriate, seek to prosecute these sites and the subjects responsible for this criminal activity,” he said.

Director of the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center, Ivan J. Arvelo, said the success of Operation Offsides was made possible through close collaboration between law enforcement agencies and private-sector partners.

According to Arvelo, the operation disrupted major piracy networks while ensuring football fans could access World Cup coverage through legitimate and secure platforms.

HSI Washington Field Office Special Agent in Charge Eric Weindorf also warned that illegal streaming websites expose users to cybersecurity threats beyond copyright violations.

He said many unauthorized streaming platforms carry risks such as malware infections, phishing attacks and the theft of personal or financial information.

The DOJ noted that the investigation remains ongoing and indicated that additional enforcement actions and criminal prosecutions could follow as authorities continue tracking operators of illegal streaming platforms worldwide.

The crackdown comes as the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues to attract record global audiences, with millions of fans following the tournament through licensed broadcasters and digital streaming services.

US shuts down nearly 400 websites streaming 2026 FIFA World Cup illegally

Dembele scores stunning hat-trick as France thrash Norway 4-1 

Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele delivered a sensational first-half hat-trick as France defeated Norway 4-1 on Friday to finish top of Group I with a perfect record at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Paris Saint-Germain forward struck three times inside the opening 32 minutes at Gillette Stadium near Boston, producing one of the earliest hat-tricks in World Cup history and reinforcing France’s credentials as one of the favourites to win the tournament.

Dembele opened the scoring in the seventh minute after being played through by captain Kylian Mbappe, who earned his 101st international appearance for France. Cutting in from the right, the 29-year-old calmly slotted the ball beyond Norwegian goalkeeper Egil Selvik.

The French star doubled his tally in the 20th minute with another composed finish after drifting inside from the right flank before curling a low shot into the far corner.

Norway briefly threatened a comeback when Thelo Aasgaard fired past Mike Maignan to reduce the deficit, but Dembele quickly restored France’s two-goal advantage by completing his hat-trick in the 32nd minute with another clinical left-footed finish.

His remarkable treble came within 25 minutes of his opening goal, making it one of the fastest hat-tricks in FIFA World Cup history. Only Austria’s Erich Probst, who scored three goals within the opening 24 minutes against Czechoslovakia in 1954, reached the milestone earlier from kick-off. Hungary’s Laszlo Kiss still holds the record for the fastest World Cup hat-trick overall after scoring three goals in less than eight minutes as a substitute in 1982.

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The victory also saw Dembele join an exclusive list of French players to score a World Cup hat-trick, becoming only the third after legendary striker Just Fontaine and Kylian Mbappe, who netted three goals in the dramatic 2022 World Cup final.

France continued to dominate after the break despite Norway creating several chances.

The Scandinavians were handed an opportunity to reduce the deficit after Oscar Bobb was brought down inside the penalty area by Theo Hernandez, but striker Jorgen Strand Larsen failed to convert from the spot as Maignan produced an excellent save.

Substitute Desire Doue completed the rout deep into stoppage time, sealing a convincing 4-1 victory for Les Bleus.

France’s impressive performance came despite the absence of head coach Didier Deschamps, who temporarily returned home to France following the death of his mother. Veteran assistant coach Guy Stephan took charge of the team, with Deschamps expected to rejoin the squad before the knockout stage.

The result ensured France completed the group stage with maximum nine points, scoring 10 goals and conceding only two in three matches to comfortably finish as Group I winners.

Dembele’s latest heroics also took his tally to four goals at the tournament after finding the net in France’s 3-0 victory over Iraq earlier in the week, strengthening his bid for the Golden Boot.

For Norway, qualification had already been secured following victories over Iraq and Senegal, prompting coach Stale Solbakken to make 10 changes to his starting line-up.

Key players including Erling Haaland, captain Martin Odegaard and striker Alexander Sorloth were all rested ahead of the knockout rounds, while Fredrik Aursnes was the only regular starter retained.

Despite the heavy defeat, Norway advanced as Group I runners-up with six points and will face Ivory Coast in the Round of 32.

France, meanwhile, will remain in the northeastern United States for a knockout clash against a third-placed team at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey as they continue their quest for a third FIFA World Cup title.

Dembele scores stunning hat-trick as France thrash Norway 4-1

Plumptre Debunks Super Falcons Exit Claims, Warns Fans About Scammers

Super Falcons defender Ashleigh Plumptre has dismissed viral reports claiming that she plans to stop representing Nigeria, describing the allegations as false and the work of online fraudsters impersonating her on social media.

The Nigeria international, who currently plays for Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad, clarified that she never made any statement suggesting she would quit the national team over alleged disagreements with football officials or issues relating to her place in the squad.

The controversy began after a fake Facebook account bearing Plumptre’s name circulated claims that she had been excluded from Nigeria’s squad for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and was considering ending her international career.

The fraudulent account also alleged that certain football officials demanded favours and financial inducements from players seeking national team invitations, claims that quickly gained traction on social media.

Reacting to the reports, Plumptre categorically distanced herself from the account and warned fans against interacting with individuals posing as her online.

“Awful false accounts. I’ve posted on my Instagram and X for people to report. They are using my identity and scamming people. I am currently contacting someone in Saudi Arabia to help me take these accounts down because this has been happening for well over a year now,” Plumptre said.

The defender stressed that the statements circulating online did not originate from her and urged supporters to disregard messages, requests and fundraising appeals associated with the fake account.

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According to her, the impersonators have repeatedly used her identity to spread misinformation and solicit money from unsuspecting Nigerians.

Plumptre reiterated that she has never requested financial assistance, gifts, donations or monetary contributions through social media and advised fans to verify online accounts before engaging with anyone claiming to represent her.

She further disclosed that efforts were ongoing to have the fraudulent accounts removed while relevant authorities investigate those responsible for the impersonation.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) also moved swiftly to debunk the reports, describing the claims as entirely fabricated.

The federation noted that Plumptre has repeatedly informed the public that she does not operate a Facebook account and warned journalists and football fans against relying on information published by unverified social media pages.

According to the NFF, reports suggesting that Plumptre had been omitted from Nigeria’s WAFCON squad were baseless because the coaching crew had not yet released an official list for the tournament.

The federation further revealed that similar fake accounts have previously targeted other Super Falcons players, including Asisat Oshoala and Esther Okoronkwo, in attempts to spread false information and defraud supporters.

Plumptre’s clarification comes as preparations intensify for the upcoming WAFCON tournament, where the Super Falcons will be seeking to reclaim continental dominance and extend their record as Africa’s most successful women’s national team.

Since switching allegiance from England to Nigeria in 2021, the Leicester-born defender has become one of the most influential figures in the Super Falcons setup. Her performances at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and subsequent international competitions earned widespread praise from fans and football stakeholders.

Beyond her contributions on the pitch, Plumptre has also gained admiration for embracing her Nigerian heritage and building a strong connection with supporters across the country.

The defender thanked Nigerian fans for their continued support and reaffirmed her commitment to representing the Super Falcons whenever called upon.

She also urged the public to remain vigilant against cybercriminals who increasingly exploit the identities of celebrities, athletes and public figures to spread misinformation and perpetrate online scams.

As concerns over digital fraud continue to grow, authorities have advised social media users to verify information through official and verified accounts before sharing content or responding to requests for financial assistance.

Plumptre Debunks Super Falcons Exit Claims, Warns Fans About Scammers