New York officials on Thursday sought to reassure residents and visitors that the city is prepared for the security challenges posed by the 2026 FIFA World Cup, unveiling a plan that includes increased police deployment, National Guard support, drone surveillance, cyber threat analysis, and extensive transit security measures.Speaking at a press briefing, Gov. Kathy Hochul (D-NY) and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani emphasized that preparations have been underway for years, arguing that New York’s experience hosting high-profile events, ranging from the U.S. Open to the United Nations’ General Assembly, has positioned the city to handle an estimated influx of roughly 100,000 additional daily transit riders on match days.Hochul highlighted several security measures already taking place in the city’s transit system. According to Hochul, more than $150 million in state funding has gone to transit law enforcement. She also touted the installation of 33,000 security cameras, including cameras in every subway car and expanded platform barriers at nearly 150 subway stations.
“We’ve been planning for this for years, table-topping this exercise as we’re ramping up our police presence — more transit police, NYPD, state police, our National Guard, Joint Task Force Empire Shield,” Hochul said.
