Drones and lone wolf attacks are key concerns as FBI works to secure 11 World Cup cities
CNN • • sports
Key Points:
- The US is hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup with 78 matches across 11 cities, marking the largest sporting event ever held in the country, drawing millions of international fans and presenting significant security challenges.
- Law enforcement agencies, led by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and FBI, are coordinating extensive security measures, focusing on countering threats from drones, lone wolf attacks, and potential violence among fans.
- The FBI has trained local police in counter-drone tactics, including jamming and intercepting drones, acknowledging the evolving threat posed by drone technology used in conflicts abroad and the risk of explosive or chemical payloads on smaller commercial drones.
- Officials remain vigilant about lone actor attacks and fan violence, especially concerning tensions related to Iran’s participation, with warnings about possible clashes within diaspora communities and increased risks of terrorism, cyber-attacks, and foreign intelligence operations.
- Artificial intelligence-generated fake videos are also a concern for causing panic, while Mexico, co-hosting several matches, is deploying a large security force to combat crime and cartel-related threats during the tournament.