Before the first ball is kicked, the 2026 FIFA World Cupwill have made history. Whereas most of the tournaments are hosted by a single country, and the 2002 World Cup was hosted by two (Japan and South Korea), the 2026 edition will be the first time three nations have shared hosting duties. Most of the matches, including the final in MetLife Stadium near New York City, will be held across 11 cities in the United States, but three cities in Mexico and two in Canada will also host.
This will also be the largest field in World Cup history, as the tournament expands to 48 teams, up from the usual 32. More competitors also mean more matches; there will be 104 contests at this edition of the World Cup, 40 more than usual. To accommodate the expanded schedule, the tournament will run from June 11 until July 19, a total of 39 days, the longest in history.[1]
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is anticipated to generate substantial economic activity and foster significant social connections across the North American continent. The tournament is expected to attract over 5.5 million spectators to the host cities, with billions more anticipated to tune in to the global broadcasts. Projections estimate an economic impact ranging from $5 billion to $6 billion across the host nations.[2]Individual host cities are expected to receive hundreds of millions of dollars each through tourism, advertising, and job creation. A significant surge in tourism is expected, benefiting sectors such as hotels, restaurants, and transportation. Furthermore, the 2026 World Cup is projected to attract record levels of sponsorship and media revenue, contributing billions to the economies of the host countries.
The historic size and scope of the event, however, also comes with historic security challenges. With three countries hosting, border crossings must be coordinated. An increase in the number of cities holding events means more stadiums must be secured. Security will also have to deal with cyber threats and the possibility of political tensions boiling over into violence.
Securing the Stadiums: Crowd Management and Safety Strategies for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Crowd management and stadium security will be among the most pressing issues, particularly given the anticipated influx of spectators to 16 repurposed NFL stadiums, geographically distributed across three regions: Western (Vancouver, Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Guadalajara), Central (Kansas City, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Monterrey, Mexico City), and Eastern (Toronto, Boston, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, Miami).[3]
High-profile crowd tragedies such as the 2021 Astroworld incident and altercations at recent NFL and CONCACAF events underscore the dangers of overcrowding, inadequate venue design, and insufficient emergency response protocols. The safety of fans within and around stadiums will require the implementation of multilayered screening zones, controlled access points, real-time surveillance systems, and well-trained security personnel to pre-empt and neutralize threats.[4] Robust access control systems and fraud-resistant ticketing infrastructure must be deployed to guard against infiltration and the presence of prohibited items. These measures will be tested across major metropolitan centers such as Los Angeles, New York, and Mexico City, where dense populations, political sensitivities, and logistical challenges elevate the risks of civil unrest or stampedes.[5]
On the ground, perimeter security and access control at stadiums and public venues will feature rigorous multi-layered screening processes using metal detectors, X-ray scanners, and potentially biometric technologies to manage and secure the flow of hundreds of thousands of spectators. Complementing these physical safeguards are crowd management strategies that include zoning, real-time monitoring, and trained personnel skilled in de-escalation.
Advanced technology will play a pivotal role in securing the World Cup, particularly through the deployment of AI surveillance and predictive policing techniques. AI-powered systems will integrate real-time video feeds, facial recognition software, and behavioral analytics to detect anomalies and suspicious behavior in dense crowds. Machine learning algorithms can identify potential threats based on movement patterns, unattended items, and irregular crowd behavior, enabling law enforcement to proactively intervene before an incident escalates. [6]
Drones equipped with AI-enabled vision systems will provide aerial monitoring capabilities, feeding live data into centralized command centers for faster decision-making. Predictive policing tools will also be used to map high-risk zones based on historical crime data, helping allocate law enforcement resources more efficiently during the event.
In parallel, emergency preparedness has become a cornerstone of host city readiness, with scenario-based drills and comprehensive crisis management exercises underway across multiple host cities. Atlanta, Los Angeles, Houston, Miami, New York/New Jersey, and Dallas have begun rolling out complex simulation-based drills that test local, state, and federal response coordination in the face of various threats including terrorist attacks, crowd crushes, cyber intrusions, and natural disasters. These exercises include table-top simulations, full-scale live drills, and inter-agency communication rehearsals designed to expose potential gaps in response capabilities and refine protocols accordingly.[7] Moreover, these initiatives are being paired with public safety campaigns, human trafficking awareness programs, and community-based preparedness outreach to ensure that local populations are informed and engaged.
One Tournament, Three Countries: The Security Architecture Behind the 2026 FIFA World Cup
The 2026 FIFA World Cup necessitates an extensive, multi-layered approach to mitigation and preparedness. At the core of this effort is the establishment of robust interagency coordination and intelligence-sharing mechanisms to manage the complex security environment spanning three countries with distinct legal systems, security infrastructures, and law enforcement protocols.
The creation of multi-agency coordination centers, drawing on best practices from previous mega-events like the London 2012 Olympics and the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia will facilitate real-time collaboration, situational awareness, and intelligence fusion across federal, state, and local agencies. In the U.S., a dedicated World Cup Task Force has been activated to coordinate national-level planning, with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) prioritizing critical areas such as border integrity, airport safety, and overall public protection.[8] Furthermore, trilateral security cooperation initiatives among the U.S., Mexico, and Canada are being operationalized to combat transnational threats, including coordinated criminal activity, emphasizing the importance of synchronized enforcement and prosecution strategies.[9]
Logistical security across transit hubs presents another serious challenge. With the volume of travellers expected to double on peak days, overburdened airport infrastructure and staffing shortages, especially within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, could lead to significant delays and system bottlenecks. Many airport technologies currently in use have been criticized for being outdated, leaving potential vulnerabilities in passenger screening processes. These highly networked systems are also increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats, raising concerns about ransomware attacks or digital sabotage.[10]
The expansive geography of the tournament, in stark contrast to the compact 2022 Qatar World Cup, demands meticulous coordination across air, rail, and road systems. A flight from Vancouver to Mexico City is over 4,000 km, for example, raising concerns about player fatigue and fan mobility.[11]Security at ground transportation hubs such as train stations and bus terminals will be crucial, as these spaces may become attractive soft targets. Coordinating safe and efficient travel between cities and securing accommodations for teams and fans will require a seamless and multilayered strategy encompassing physical, digital, and procedural safeguards.
Cross-border security and visa policy issues further complicate tournament preparations. The extensive international travel between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico introduces significant pressure on border management systems. U.S. visa delays, particularly for nationals from countries affected by the Terrorist Travel Prevention Act, may inhibit participation, disrupt fan travel plans, and spark protests or allegations of discrimination. High volumes of legal crossings could also provide cover for the illicit movement of people or goods, especially along the U.S.-Mexico border.[12] These security gaps could be exploited by criminal elements or individuals on watchlists, particularly as law enforcement resources are stretched thin. Moreover, inconsistencies in visa eligibility between the three host nations may hinder fans hoping to attend multiple matches across borders, creating further frustration and logistical friction.
Threats Beyond the Pitch: Gun Violence, Cartels, and Political Risk at the 2026 World Cup
Gun violence in the United States presents a distinctive security concern. The high frequency of mass shootings and permissive gun laws in some states have prompted foreign governments to issue travel advisories, raising serious concerns among international fans and media. While stadiums will enforce strict no-firearm policies, adjacent public spaces such as fan zones, hotels, and transit points may remain exposed. The potential for active shooter incidents, however rare, necessitates specialized preparedness including threat assessments, armed response teams, and rapid deployment capabilities. The reputational risk and potential for mass panic or casualties from such events could have serious consequences for the overall atmosphere and success of the tournament.[13]
Mexico’s ongoing struggle with cartel-related violence adds another layer of complexity. Host cities such as Guadalajara, Monterrey, and Mexico City have experienced cartel activity involving extortion, kidnapping, and drug trafficking. While these groups are unlikely to directly target the World Cup, their operations could spill over into areas frequented by tourists or be opportunistically used to launder money or traffic contraband under the cover of the event. The influx of people and goods associated with the tournament provides a tempting environment for criminal exploitation.[14] As a precaution, FIFA may require enhanced military and police presence in and around vulnerable areas in Mexico to prevent any deterioration of the local security environment during the tournament.
The broader political climate, especially under the Trump administration, further complicates the security outlook. President Trump’s hardline stances on immigration, trade, and national security, coupled with past policies such as the travel ban and visa restrictions may damage perceptions of inclusivity and global openness. The imposition of tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods has strained diplomatic ties, and lingering societal tensions over race, policing, and protest could manifest during the tournament.[15] While the administration has taken formal steps, such as forming a White House Task Force on World Cup preparations, its rhetoric and political posture may continue to inflame divisions both domestically and internationally. These dynamics could result in demonstrations, fan discontent, or even targeted disruptions, placing additional pressure on FIFA and host cities to maintain a politically neutral and secure environment.
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in the INSIGHTS publication series are those of the individual contributors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Rabdan Security & Defense Institute, its affiliated organizations, or any government entity. The content published is intended for informational purposes and reflects the personal perspectives of the authors on various security and defence-related topics.
[1] Sutherland, Cullum ‘Everything You Need to Know About the 2026 World Cup’, Time, April 25, 2025, https://time.com/7280401/fifa-world-cup-2026-host-cities-qualifiers-how-to-watch-winners/
[2] Ernesto, Miguel ‘FIFA World Cup 2026, A Multi-Billion Dollar Boost for North America’, PanAmerican World, May 5, 2025, https://panamericanworld.com/en/magazine/homepage-sections/fifa-world-cup-2026-multi-billion-dollar-boost/
[3] McCullough, Peter ‘Stadium Security and Crowd Control: Challenges Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup’, mders.org, November 6, 2024, https://mders.org/stadium-security-and-crowd-control-challenges-ahead-of-the-2026-fifa-world-cup/
[4] Simon, Yara ‘How the 2021 Astroworld Tragedy Changed the Festival Scene’, howstuffworks, February 4, 2025, https://people.howstuffworks.com/astroworld-tragedy.htm
[5] United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), ‘Guide on the Security of Major Sporting Events: Promoting Sustainable Security and Legacies,’ https://www.unaoc.org/wp-content/uploads/GUIDE-on-MSE-Security-with-Annex-Final.pdf
[6] Antunes, Miguel Eiras ‘Surveillance and Predictive Policing Through AI’, Deloitte, https://www.deloitte.com/global/en/Industries/government-public/perspectives/urban-future-with-a-purpose/surveillance-and-predictive-policing-through-ai.html
[7] Schwedhelm, Shelly ‘NSPS Conducts World Cup 2026 Tabletop Exercise: Preparing for Global Health Security During Major Sporting Events, ‘NETEC, https://netec.org/2025/01/21/nsps-conducts-world-cup-2026-tabletop-exercise-preparing-for-global-health-security-during-major-sporting-events/
[8] Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, ‘Establishing the White House Task Force on the FIFA World Cup 2026 (Trump EO Tracker)’, Lexology, https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=c2be2c26-be16-40f9-ab60-a9b909897076
[9] US Department of Justice, ‘United States, Mexico, and Canada Launch Joint Initiative to Detect Collusive Schemes Seeking to Exploit the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ‘ September 22, 2023, https://www.justice.gov/archives/opa/pr/united-states-mexico-and-canada-launch-joint-initiative-detect-collusive-schemes-seeking
[10] Masterton, Graeme ‘Transportation planning strategies for the FIFA World Cup and major events’, Stantec, March 28, 2024, https://www.stantec.com/en/ideas/topic/cities/transportation-planning-strategies-fifa-world-cup-major-events
[11] Yang, Steph and Jeff Rueter, ‘2026 World Cup: The issues across the U.S., Mexico and Canada that could impact the tournament, ‘NYT, September 21, 2023, https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4150786/2023/02/02/2026-world-cup-concerns/
[12] Labidou, Alex ‘Optimism, worry around 2026 World Cup: Federal support for 11 U.S. host cities possible, but visa concerns linger’, Goal, April 26, 2025, https://www.goal.com/en-ae/lists/2026-world-cup-federal-support-for-11-u-s-host-cities-possible-but-visa-concerns-linger/blt6d30f715b1792da6
[13] Baxter, Kevin ‘Mass shootings and gun violence in U.S. could damage 2026 World Cup bottom line’, Los Angeles Times, May 16, 2023, https://www.latimes.com/sports/soccer/story/2023-05-16/mass-shootings-gun-violence-united-states-world-cup-2026
[14] France 24, ‘Challenges mount for World Cup 2026 co-hosts Mexico’, March 12, 2022, https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20220312-challenges-mount-for-world-cup-2026-co-hosts-mexico
[15] Minter, Adam ‘Red Card: Trump's immigration play might bench America's World Cup tourism’, The Economic Times, April 21,2025, https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/nri/visit/trumps-immigration-play-might-bench-americas-world-cup-tourism/articleshow/120477740.cms?from=mdr
