US Security Overhaul for 2026 World Cup: Drones, Cyberattacks and Immigration Raids
The United States is preparing for an unprecedented security operation ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with officials allocating more than $1 billion to protect the tournament from a range of potential threats. As the country expects over 5 million international visitors alongside millions of domestic soccer fans, authorities are implementing multifaceted measures to address dangers from the sky, the digital realm, and the ground.
Counter-Drone Technology Takes Centre Stage
The Department of Homeland Security has announced a $115 million investment in counter-drone technologies specifically for World Cup protection, with an additional $350 million allocated by FEMA to the 11 states hosting matches. These funds will be managed by a new DHS office focused on acquiring and deploying drone and counter-drone systems.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem emphasised the significance of this investment, stating that drones represent "the new frontier of American air superiority." Recent tabletop exercises involving military, law enforcement, and local government leaders have concentrated overwhelmingly on potential drone attacks at World Cup events.
Local and state law enforcement agencies have been encouraged to purchase equipment capable of jamming inbound drones or redirecting them to their origin, with reimbursement available through a $500 million federal grant program. The war in Ukraine has demonstrated how commercially available drones can be weaponised, making this threat more than a fringe possibility for US officials.
Cybersecurity Concerns in an Automated Tournament
With 48 teams competing across three North American countries, the 2026 World Cup represents the largest tournament in history, relying more heavily on automated systems and digital technologies than ever before. This increased automation creates significant cybersecurity vulnerabilities that authorities are working to address.
Chris Grove, director of cybersecurity strategy for Nozomi Networks, warned that automated ticketing systems and access controls create potential attack vectors for malicious actors. "The more we build out these things and automate and scale larger — more days, more games, more teams — the more we have to find a way to do that efficiently," he explained.
There is precedent for such concerns: following the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, analysts discovered a compromised router that could have disrupted communications during the games. The 2024 Paris Olympics faced at least 140 cyberattacks, though French preparations prevented any outages. Grove suggested that heightened political polarization in the US increases the likelihood of "hacktivists" targeting the tournament to make political statements.
Physical Security and Transportation Challenges
Securing physical venues will involve a combined force of federal, state, and local law enforcement, with cities implementing measures similar to those used during Super Bowl events. These include:
- Increased police presence at stadiums and fan zones
- Controlled traffic corridors with reinforced barriers
- Advanced surveillance and threat-detection technology
Following a deadly vehicle attack in New Orleans in 2025, cities across the US have invested in "drop and stop" barriers capable of stopping vehicles weighing over 2,400 pounds at 30 miles per hour. Transportation authorities are also preparing for international visitors accustomed to public transportation systems, working with FIFA, airlines, Amtrak, and rideshare companies to ensure safe movement between venues.
Immigration Enforcement Creates Controversy
Perhaps the most contentious aspect of World Cup security involves immigration enforcement, with human rights advocates expressing serious concerns about potential ICE raids at tournament events. The Trump administration's aggressive deportation policy has already resulted in nearly 3 million deportations, leaving some international fans wary of visiting the US.
Minky Worden, director of global initiatives at Human Rights Watch, warned that "immigration enforcement at major sporting events can tear families apart and could expose people fleeing persecution to life-threatening danger." When asked if President Trump would rule out ICE raids at World Cup games, White House Task Force leader Andrew Giuliani responded that the president "has not ruled out anything that will make American citizens safer."
The Department of Homeland Security has proposed expanding personal and social media information requirements for travelers entering under the visa waiver program, potentially allowing officials to screen for "anti-American" sentiment. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has emphasised that "a ticket is not a visa and it doesn't guarantee admission to the U.S."
Despite these concerns, FIFA has provided host cities with $625 million through its World Cup Grant Program for security investments, working with authorities to ensure eligible participants can enter host countries. The tournament represents both an extraordinary opportunity and an unprecedented security challenge for the United States as it prepares to welcome the world's largest sporting event.
