US, Canada, Mexico Launch Massive Security Operation for 48-Team 2026 World Cup
Federal, state and local agencies begin coordinated security operations this week for the 104-match event. The effort includes $875 million in federal funding and new drone countermeasures.
Los Angeles TimesThe 2026 World Cup, a 48-team, 104-match tournament, kicks off this week in Los Angeles and 15 other cities across the United States, Mexico and Canada. The event carries the same high-level federal security designation as the Super Bowl. ” Giuliani said there has never been a summer like this in American history from a security angle and that authorities are as prepared as they can be.
The Department of Homeland Security estimates as many as 7 million people will visit the United States for the tournament. U.S. Secret Service is responsible for protecting world leaders who attend matches.
President Trump has expressed interest in attending a match. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin told Congress last week that he feels very comfortable with preparations and that authorities have a zero-fail mission. Mullin noted the Secret Service was understaffed by about 860 agents as of last week.
The FBI has spent two years developing its security plan. The agency incorporated lessons from the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and New Year’s Eve ball drop in New York and tested elements of the plan at last weekend’s Israel Day parade in the city. FBI Special Agent in Charge Amit Kachhia-Patel said the FBI prepares for the worst day.
U.S. host cities for security costs. An additional $250 million is directed toward tracking and neutralizing suspect drones.
The disbursement of FEMA funds was held up by the Department of Homeland Security’s funding delay in Congress. In January, thousands of officials participated in exercises simulating crowd surges, vehicle attacks and mass shootings.
U.S. And Israel launched a war with Iran. New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said drones are the threat that keeps her up at night. Drones are prohibited over stadiums and fan zones. Kachhia-Patel said the FBI has a full suite of options to thwart drone incursions.
On match days, the FBI will activate joint operations centers in each host city. Kansas City, Mo. has contracted with Peregrine Technologies for data analysis related to security. Dallas completed a $120-million tech upgrade that gives local police body cameras capable of real-time translations.
Fortem has signed a multimillion-dollar contract with the Department of Homeland Security for quadcopters that shoot nets at encroaching drones. Giuliani said so far there are no credible threats.
