Security is being ramped up by authorities in the US for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, specifically looking at how to detect and deter drones from near the stadiums hosting games.
The FBI has successfully concluded a specific training program involving over 60 state, county and local law enforcement agencies from host cities across the US. It will train law enforcement on detecting, tracking and disabling drone technology, which can pose a safety threat during the one-month tournament.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is being held in 16 cities across Mexico, Canada and the US. It will feature a 48-nation lineup and hundreds of thousands of spectators descending on the nation, and are promised that everything is in hand and ready.
There are no currently ongoing credible threats made against the World Cup; however, authorities are prepared for a whole raft of possibilities, from public order incidents to far more sinister matters.
The FBI is going to be using their best anti-drone technology, which has been developed in conjunction with other government departments. These systems use radars, cameras, as well as electronic monitoring systems which enable security forces to identify airborne threats and render them inactive as quickly as possible, authorities at times gaining control and bringing drones down, or simply pushing them off course.
Deputy FBI Director Christopher Raia has warned that anyone operating drones near stadiums or venues related to the World Cup, if they are detected outside the exclusion zone surrounding them, will be arrested and may face charges.
The opening game of the World Cup will take place on June 11 th, with the first game taking place in Mexico City, and the final game to be played at the MetLife Stadium on July 19 th; the security agencies are confident in their capabilities.
