FBI Issues Warning Over Unprecedented Security Challenges Ahead of FIFA World Cup in the United States

With 48 participating teams, 36 base camps, and 11 stadiums hosting matches, the tournament is being viewed as one of the largest security operations in U.S. history.

Authorities estimate that around 3 million visitors will attend the event, along with the presence of foreign heads of state. Officials have warned that a wide range of threats—including drone attacks, terrorism, espionage, violent fan behavior, drug trafficking, and other criminal activities—could create a highly complex security environment.

FBI Director Kash Patel described the event as “possibly the biggest security undertaking” in the agency’s history, adding that the scale of responsibility is unprecedented. He said the FBI began preparing for major global events—including the 2026 World Cup, the Olympics, Formula One races, and the Super Bowl—immediately after taking office.

According to Patel, the FBI is working closely with the Department of Homeland Security, as well as international partners, to ensure coordinated security coverage both inside and outside the United States.

As part of the preparations, the FBI has conducted background checks on nearly 300,000 individuals, including players, coaches, and support staff. Local and state law enforcement agencies will also be responsible for security outside stadium zones.

Drone attacks have been identified as one of the most serious threats. To counter this, the FBI launched a specialized counter-drone training program in October 2025. So far, around 70 local police officers across host cities have completed the training.

Officials noted that drones present a significant risk due to their low cost and ability to be used for long-range attacks with minimal planning. Patel emphasized that their accessibility makes them particularly dangerous in large public gatherings.

The FBI also confirmed the creation of a joint operations center involving police representatives from 46 of the 48 participating countries, enabling real-time intelligence sharing between nations.

This model has been compared to a similar coordination center used during the Milan-based preparations for the 2026 Winter Olympics, where U.S. and Italian law enforcement agencies collaborated closely. Patel said lessons learned from Milan have played a key role in shaping World Cup security planning.

A 78-page joint threat assessment by the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security highlighted multiple layers of risk across the 11 host cities and associated base camps. The report also provided detailed security guidelines for local authorities.

It further noted that the possible attendance of former U.S. President Donald Trump at matches could add additional security complexity. Rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, particularly involving Iran, were also cited as potential triggers for extremist activity and hate crimes within the United States.

The report specifically flagged potential protest risks near SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles during matches involving Iranian teams, noting the possibility of demonstrations from both supporters and opponents of the Iranian government.