The World Cup 2026, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches, is set to kick off next week across 16 cities in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. This international sporting event coincides with numerous major celebrations related to the 250th anniversary of US Independence Day.
Consequently, the US government has classified the World Cup 2026 as a high-level federal security event, ranking just below presidential inaugurations or national party conventions. This classification ensures coordination among federal, state, and local authorities in security operations.
"No summer in US history has posed a security challenge of this magnitude", said Andrew Giuliani, executive director of President Donald Trump's World Cup task force.
To ensure event safety, US officials will deploy drones capable of firing nets to intercept unauthorized devices, robot dogs for bag checks, large X-ray trucks, and thousands of artificial intelligence (AI)-integrated cameras.
This extensive security apparatus is overseen by federal agencies, state and local police, and private entities. Their duties range from securing stadiums and fan zones to escorting teams and protecting high-ranking officials.
 |
Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas displays a welcome sign for the World Cup 2026 on 8/6. Photo: AP |
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has spent two years developing its security plan, drawing lessons from other major events such as New York’s famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the New Year’s Eve ball drop in Times Square. They also tested security protocols at smaller events, including last week's Israel Day parade.
"We prepare for the worst-case scenario. That's how we secure every event", said Amit Kachhia-Patel, the special agent in charge of the FBI's New York office.
One of the primary concerns during matches is the threat posed by drones. In recent years, drones have become prominent weapons in conflicts, including the Russia - Ukraine war, emerging as one of the commonly used, inexpensive weapon types.
"Drones are a threat that keeps me up at night", stated New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch. The New York Police Department is collaborating with the FBI to counter drone risks during the matches.
At the World Cup 2026, drones are prohibited from flying over stadiums and fan zones. Kachhia-Patel confirmed that the FBI has "multiple options" to prevent drone intrusions, including deploying agents to monitor the skies and using covert operational measures to disable and force them to land.
 |
The joint coordination center in New York for World Cup 2026 security. Photo: AP |
Several drone detection and counter-drone companies are also assisting US federal agencies in protecting the airspace. Among them is Fortem, which announced a multi-million USD contract with the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) ahead of the World Cup to deploy drones capable of firing nets to neutralize intruding drones.
US officials also warn that malicious actors could exploit AI-generated video technology to spread misinformation and cause panic. To counter this, during match days, the FBI will activate joint coordination centers in each host city, bringing together local, state, and federal law enforcement to monitor and investigate threats.
"If a video surfaces on social media showing an explosion at a certain location, we will have people on the ground to verify if it is an AI-generated video", Kachhia-Patel explained.
Meanwhile, the US Secret Service (USSS) will be responsible for protecting world leaders attending to support their national teams. The USSS recently faced scrutiny following security breaches and assassination attempts targeting President Donald Trump. Mr. Trump has also expressed his intention to attend a match.
US officials are confident in their ability to ensure President Trump's safety, as his permanent security detail will be integrated into the World Cup security plan should he attend.
"We consider this a mission that cannot fail", Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin told Congress this week, while acknowledging that the USSS faces challenges due to a shortage of approximately 860 agents.
 |
FBI agents respond to a hostage situation in Bakersfield, California, on 2/6. Photo: AP |
To support security costs, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has allocated USD 625 million to the 11 US host cities for the World Cup. Additionally, another USD 250 million is being disbursed for programs to monitor and neutralize drone threats.
Data from the DHS indicates that approximately 7 million people will visit the United States during the World Cup. Giuliani noted that security preparations, along with team performances on the field, also provide an opportunity for the US to showcase its organizational and security capabilities.
"If we do our job right, no one will complain about security at the World Cup", Giuliani added.
Ha Linh (According to AP)
