U.S. to Spend $365 Million on Counter-Drone Systems for 2026 World Cup

U.S. federal government is spending $365 million on drone-focused security for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico. FEMA is providing $250 million for drone security in the 11 states hosting matches, while the Department of Homeland Security is allocating $115 million for counter-drone technology at tournament venues.

Fortem Technologies will deploy its radar and DroneHunter system at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey and AT&T Stadium in Dallas. The DroneHunter intercepts drones by firing a net, then brings them down by tether or parachute for law enforcement recovery. The company has multimillion-dollar contracts with the federal government.

Ondas Holdings plans to deploy its Sentrycs system at venues in California, Massachusetts and Florida. Sentrycs passively listens for the radio link between a drone and its pilot to identify the aircraft and its origin. If needed, the system can take over a suspicious drone’s autopilot and land it in a designated safe area.

7 billion and also holds multimillion-dollar federal contracts for the tournament. A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson stated that unauthorized drone activity poses serious risks to aviation safety, law enforcement operations, emergency response efforts, and the safety of attendees.

The department said the increased investment is to aggressively combat the unlawful use of drones that endanger the safety and security of the American people.

FIFA did not respond to a request for comment from Forbes. ” Jon Gruen, 51, CEO of Fortem Technologies, stated: “Iran attacking civilian infrastructure, that's put on CBS Evening News. ” Gruen first worked with early unmanned aircraft systems as a Navy SEAL and spent more than a decade at Lockheed Martin.