FIFA and FBI launch biggest World Cup security operation in history
FIFA has joined forces with the FBI and the US government to orchestrate the largest security operation in sporting history for the 2026 World Cup.
The expanded 48-team tournament will feature 104 matches played across 16 host cities in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
A record-breaking seven million supporters are expected to attend the historic event.
Tighter stadium checks for international supporters
Fans travelling to the venues will face stringent entry checks and an outright ban on large bags.
The world football governing body is taking an unprecedented approach by directly assisting American authorities with security oversight.
Historically, local municipalities have carried the primary burden of event planning and crowd control during major international tournaments.
Federal agencies and White House involvement
A dedicated White House task force, chaired by President Donald Trump, will coordinate closely with the Department of Justice and federal law enforcement.
The United States is set to stage approximately 75 percent of the matches, including all crucial knockout ties from the quarter-finals onwards.
Security preparations have been brought into sharp focus following three recent, high-profile assassination attempts on the American leader.
The President was most recently targeted by an armed man at a Washington hotel, following previous incidents in Pennsylvania and Florida.
Addressing domestic gun ownership concerns
Tournament planners must account for uniquely high levels of domestic gun ownership, with over 393 million civilian-held firearms estimated nationwide.
Government statistics from 2024 recorded 44,000 gun-related deaths across the country, adding significant pressure to the massive law enforcement operation.
The current US administration has previously moved to relax domestic gun laws, complicating the security landscape for visiting international fans.
The President has remained steadfast in his domestic policy, previously declaring himself the best friend gun owners have ever had in the White House.
It currently remains unconfirmed whether federal immigration agents will be formally deployed to assist at tournament venues.