politics
DHS Launches Multiagency Security Operation for 2026 FIFA World Cup
The Department of Homeland Security has begun a coordinated federal effort to secure matches across 11 U.S. host cities. The operation covers counterterrorism, emergency response, border screening, and criminal investigations but excludes immigration enforcement at venues.
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The Department of Homeland Security has begun a multiagency operation to protect the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches scheduled from June 12 through July 19. The department will assign personnel from its 270,000 employees to support counterterrorism, emergency response, border security, and criminal investigations at the 11 host cities.
Federal agencies will operate under special event assessment ratings that classify the tournament as a SEAR 1 event requiring extensive interagency coordination. The department has not released the number of personnel reassigned from regular duties for the period before, during, and after the games.
Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated on Wednesday that preparations against drone threats remain incomplete. The Federal Aviation Administration has imposed temporary flight restrictions over stadiums and warned that operators entering restricted airspace will face swift enforcement action.
FEMA awarded $625 million to host cities in March, including $250 million specifically for drone defense. The agency has trained more than 238,000 local emergency responders across the host cities on mass-casualty and special-event procedures.
Enforcement and its investigative arm will focus on counterfeit tickets, human trafficking, drug smuggling, and counterfeit goods at venues. A DHS spokesperson said ICE will not conduct immigration enforcement operations at the stadiums. Customs and Border Protection officers will screen travelers at airports, seaports, and land ports of entry.
To date, 5 million ESTA applications have been approved under the Visa Waiver Program, with the largest shares from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Japan.
