FIFA has joined forces with the FBI, the Department of Justice, federal, state and local law enforcement on the tournament’s security plan.
The World Cup will see the biggest security operation in the history of the sport, with more teams and more fans than ever before. FBI chiefs have been working with FIFA officials on the operation for the tournament. The world’s governing body has joined forces with the FBI, the Department of Justice, federal, state and local law enforcement, as well as a new White House Task Force chaired by Trump.
The latest assassination attempt on the President highlighted the ease of access to guns for millions of Americans. About 32 percent of the adult population of the US owns a gun, with around 44 percent living in a household with firearms.
READ MORE: King’s new aide aims to heal rift between William and Harry ‘to spare Charles further pain’READ MORE: First date A1 crash driver freed after FOUR months – then taken back into custody
Estimates suggest there are over 393 million civilian-held firearms in the U.S., owned by an estimated 65 to 77m people.
The rise in gun ownership, up 28 percent from 1994 to 2023, has caused significant concerns because of the rise in gun-related deaths; 44,000 were recorded in 2024, the last year for which data is available; 35 percent were homicides.
Trump has called himself “the best friend gun owners have ever had in the White House” and his administration has moved to relax gun laws further, despite concerns raised over the shooting of Alex Pretti by ICE immigration service agents in January.
It remains unclear if ICE agents will be involved in the security operation at World Cup venues. Around seven million fans are expected this summer, by far the biggest attendance ever. They face more checks before entering the stadiums, and large bags will be banned in all US venues.
The expansion from 32 to 48 teams means the number of World Cup games has mushroomed from 64 to 104 across 16 host cities in the US, Mexico and Canada.The US will host around 75 percent of matches, including the quarterfinals and semifinals and final.
In previous tournaments, local authorities handled security and event planning. In the summer, FIFA will help US authorities oversee security.
The plans have been brought into sharp focus by the third and latest attempt to assassinate President Trump.
Cole Tomas Allen was allegedly armed with a shotgun, handgun, and knives when he fired at a Secret Service agent whose bullet-proof vest saved his life last month. Allen, 31, of Torrance, California, was allegedly captured on CCTV as he ran toward a security checkpoint at a dinner attended by Trump and top US officials at the Hilton Hotel in Washington.
Trump was first targeted in Butler, Pennsylvania, in July 2024 when a bullet grazed his ear. Just 64 days later, he was again the target of a would-be assassin while playing a round on his Florida golf course.
In February 2026, an armed man was shot dead after entering the secure perimeter of Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence. The president was in Washington DC at the time.
The conflict with Iran has added to the complicated security picture: their fans are banned from travelling to the US.
But the team is expected to be supported by those of Iranian heritage who live and work in the US.
The Department of Homeland Security has awarded £85m to host cities to invest in counter-drone technology in the ‘fastest roll out’ of grants in its history.
They will be used to counter any aerial threats around the venues’ no-fly zones.’ Fans can expect security checks on train platforms, in fan zones, and in the streets around stadiums. The new drone technology is designed to “outpace evolving threats and tactics” from the air.
A Dept of Homeland Security spokesperson said: “Drones represent the new frontier of American air superiority. This will help us continue to secure the border, protect our infrastructure, and keep Americans safe during FIFA 2026.”
The UK policing operation will again be led by Cheshire Chief Constable Mark Roberts. Key intelligence will be shared with the US, including troublemakers identified at previous tournaments, and the latest orders put in place since Qatar four years ago.
The football banning orders have helped combat hooliganism abroad. Not a single UK national was arrested in Qatar as Roberts praised their ‘exemplary behaviour’.
Around 1600 fans were banned from travelling to Euro 2024 in Germany, and the vast majority of those orders remain in place. Anyone who tries to enter the US with a banning order could face up to six months in jail.
Host cities have received £458m in federal funding to support increased security for an event compared to ‘104 Super Bowls in 29 days.’
But human rights groups have highlighted “discriminatory immigration policies” and “mass detentions and arbitrary arrests by masked, armed agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and other agencies.”
The US has imposed a ban on supporters travelling not just from Iran but also from Senegal, Ivory Coast, and Haiti. It is the first time in World Cup history that fans have been unable to enter a host country.
One England ‘superfan’, who did not want to be named, told of concerns about using ICE enforcement officers in the host cities.
“I have spoken to other fans who feel the same way,” they said. “You feel complicit going to the US and supporting the tournament. But as a fan, you have no choice in the matter.”
The Football Supporters Association, which represents around 600,000 fans in England and Wales, has warned them about the increased cost of hotels, transportation and tickets.
Host cities can use their funds “to pay for increased police and emergency response at FIFA venues, hotels, and transportation hubs”. ICE director Todd Lyons has defended the organisation’s World Cup role in evidence to Congress.
He said the Homeland Security Investigations department will play a key part of the overall security apparatus for the World Cup. He added: “We’re dedicated to securing that operation and to the security of all of our participants as well as visitors.”
ICE’s precise role is not entirely clear. But “key part of the overall security apparatus” does not necessarily mean “patrolling entrances to stadiums,” according to Lyons.
A letter, signed by almost 50 members of Congress, warned that the event is a “uniquely attractive target for malicious actors” with intelligence “confirming an increase in threats targeting stadiums.”’ But the US State Department said: “We are making every effort to ensure these events are safe and successful, and that global fans, families, and athletes have a seamless experience during every part of their visit. “Preparations for the FIFA World Cup have been underway for over a year, with safety and security as the top priority of the White House Task Force on the FIFA World Cup 2026. “We are closely monitoring global events and any potential impacts on the FIFA World Cup. We will adapt our security posture as needed to address emerging threats and ensure the utmost safety for the entire duration of the tournament.”
