From June 12 to July 19, 2026, the United States will host the FIFA World Cup across 11 cities. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has launched a $875 million, multi‑agency secuurity operation to protect fans, players and the travel sector from drone threats, trafficking and other risks.

DHS’s $625 Million Drone‑Defense Fund and 238,000‑Strong First‑Responder Training

DHS has earmarked $625 million for general preparations and an additional $250 million specifically to counter dangerous drones. The agency has trained 238,000 local emergecy managers and first responders across the 11 host cities on mass‑casualty response and special event safety, according to the report. This training mirrors the scale of security at past high‑profile events such as the Super Bowl, where federal partners have identified trafficking rings.

CBP’s 7‑Million‑Visitor Border Screening Blueprint

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will inspect all people, vehicles and goods entering the U.S., verifying travel credentials for an estimated 7 million foreign fans and athletes. CBP Executive Director Matthew S. Davies urged travelers to use Trusted Traveler Programs and Mobile Passport Control to streamline crossings. To date, 5 million travelers have been approved for the Visa Waiver Program through ESTA, with the largest percentages coming from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Japan.

ICE, HSI and FinCEN’s Counter‑Trafficking and Counter‑Fraud Push

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and its investigative arm, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), will be present at venues to combt counterfeit tickets, human trafficking, drug smuggling and counterfeit products, working closely with CBP. The Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) has issued a notice to financial institutions—including casinos, insurers and jewelers—to watch for payments linked to illegal services, warning that the influx of visitors may increase vulnerability to sex and labor trafficking.

FAA’s “No‑Drone Zones” and TSA’s Venue Security Role

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will enforce “no drone zones” via temporary flight restrictions over stadiums, with Administrator Bryan Bedford warning that violators will face swift action. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is handling security at the 11 U.S. host city venues and their transportation hubs, coordinating with federal, state and local partners to identify and mitigate threats to matches, fan fests and the travel sector.

Who Will Staff the 2026 Security Machine?

While DHS has not yet disclosed the number of employees from various agencies who will be reassigned from their regular duties to support the tournament before, during, and after the games, Representative Markwayne Mullin noted that “everyone is a little behind” in defensive preparations for potential drone threats. The lack of a public staffing figure leaves open questions about the exact scale of the security workforce and how it will be distributed across the 11 host cities.