NEW YORK – The World Cup, a 48-team, 104-match behemoth kicking off next week across 16 cities in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, presents an unprecedented security challenge, with more countries, games, and a larger footprint than ever before.
It also comes against the backdrop of the U.S. and Israel’s ongoing war with Iran, mounting political violence surrounding former President Donald Trump, and growing fears of artificial intelligence-fueled disruptions, creating a complex threat environment for authorities.
Overseeing the sprawling security apparatus is a coalition of federal agencies, state and local police departments, and private entities. Their responsibilities encompass securing stadiums and fan zones, escorting teams, and protecting dignitaries, ensuring a safe environment for players and fans alike.
The tools at their disposal include advanced technologies such as hunter drones capable of deploying nets over unauthorized objects in restricted airspace, bag-inspecting robot dogs, giant X-ray trucks, and thousands of AI-powered cameras monitoring public spaces that will soon be crowded with fans.
In the U.S., Andrew Giuliani, executive director of Trump’s World Cup task force, noted, “It’s 78 Super Bowls over 39 days.” He emphasized the unprecedented nature of the security preparations, stating, “There’s never been a summer like this in American history from a security angle.”
“We’re as prepared as we can be,” he added, highlighting the extensive planning and coordination involved in ensuring the safety of the event.
An Unprecedented Security Collaboration
The tournament has received the same high-level federal security designation as the Super Bowl, placing it just below a presidential inauguration or a national political convention. This designation ensures robust coordination among federal, state, and local agencies. Additionally, the event coincides with other major celebrations tied to the 250th anniversary of America’s founding.
So far, Giuliani reported that there are no credible threats identified against the tournament. The Department of Homeland Security estimates that up to 7 million visitors will travel to the U.S. for the World Cup, raising the stakes for effective security measures.
The U.S. Secret Service, under scrutiny after previous security breaches, is responsible for safeguarding world leaders attending the matches. Former President Trump has expressed interest in attending, adding another layer of complexity to the security efforts.
“I feel very comfortable where we’re at, and we feel like we have a zero-fail mission,” said Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, while acknowledging the challenges posed by an understaffed Secret Service.
Officials have indicated confidence in their ability to secure the event, integrating Trump’s usual security measures with the broader World Cup security plan during days he may attend matches.
The FBI has spent two years developing its security plan, drawing insights from prior major events such as the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the New Year’s Eve celebration in New York City. They have tested these protocols at smaller events, including a recent Israel Day parade in the city.
“We prepare for the worst day,” FBI Special Agent in Charge Amit Kachhia-Patel in New York told The Associated Press. “And that’s how we go into any single event.”
To help cover security costs, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has allocated $625 million to the 11 U.S. host cities. An additional $250 million is being directed towards tracking and neutralizing suspect drones, a growing concern in modern security environments.
Evolving Threats from Drones and AI
In January, thousands of officials involved in World Cup security gathered for exercises simulating various threats, including crowd surges, vehicle attacks, and mass shootings. However, the security landscape shifted dramatically in February when the U.S. and Israel launched military actions against Iran.
“The security picture fundamentally changed,” remarked Stefano Ritondale, chief intelligence officer at Artorias, a defense intelligence firm. He emphasized the heightened risks posed by organized terror groups compared to individual acts of violence.
Drones have emerged as a significant concern, given their growing use in global conflicts. From the war in Ukraine to recent conflicts involving Hamas, the threat posed by drones cannot be underestimated. “If there is one threat that keeps me up at night, it is from drones,” stated New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch.
To combat this threat, drones are prohibited over stadiums and fan zones, and the FBI is prepared with a variety of countermeasures. Kachhia-Patel assured that agents will be actively monitoring the skies and possess options to safely neutralize any unauthorized drones.
Furthermore, the rise of artificial intelligence has brought new challenges regarding misinformation. Officials are particularly wary of AI-generated videos that may provoke panic or misinformation during the tournament.
On match days, the FBI will activate joint operations centers in each host city, facilitating real-time collaboration among local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to monitor and investigate potential threats.
“If there’s a video that shows an explosion going off at a site, and it’s AI-generated, we have people on the ground who can validate whether or not that’s true,” Kachhia-Patel explained.
A Scoring Opportunity for Private Tech
In light of the security challenges, several AI companies have stepped forward, offering their services to police departments in host cities. Their technology aims to analyze data and surveillance to preemptively address potential threats, including unruly fan behavior.
“We know sports fanaticism around here in terms of the NFL and baseball, but nothing like international soccer,” noted Jake Becchina, a police spokesperson in Kansas City, Missouri, one of the cities hosting matches. The police department has contracted with Peregrine Technologies to enhance their security capabilities.
In Dallas, recent upgrades have provided local police with body cameras capable of real-time translations, facilitating communication with international visitors during the tournament.
Moreover, companies specializing in drone detection and mitigation are collaborating with federal agencies to secure the airspace above the venues. Fortem, for example, has reportedly signed a multimillion-dollar contract with DHS to employ drones that can intercept and capture other drones mid-flight.
As the tournament approaches, Giuliani asserted that the security planning represents a unique opportunity to demonstrate “American exceptionalism.” He concluded, “If we do our job right, nobody will be talking about security at the World Cup.”
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Santana reported from Washington. Associated Press writer Alanna Durkin Richer in Washington contributed to this report.
