Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleFBI Director Kash Patel has characterized the upcoming World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, as the "biggest lift" in the bureau's history (Getty)FBI Director Kash Patel has characterized the upcoming World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, as the "biggest lift" in the bureau's history, citing the immense security challenges posed by 48 teams, 3 million visitors, and diverse threats. As the lead domestic intelligence agency, the FBI is responsible for securing the event, conducting 300,000 background checks, and collaborating extensively with state and local law enforcement, particularly for counterdrone measures. Drones are identified as one of the most significant threats, prompting the FBI to launch a counterdrone training program that has already graduated 70 local police officers in U.S. host cities. To enhance international cooperation, the FBI established a joint operations center with police representatives from 46 participating countries to facilitate the real-time exchange of threat information, mirroring a model used for the 2026 Winter Olympics. A joint FBI/DHS threat assessment details specific risks, including security complications from Donald Trump's attendance, elevated threats related to Middle East conflicts, and potential violent protests during Iran's matches, while Patel faces ongoing scrutiny over his use of government aircraft. In fullKash Patel warns World Cup faces drone threat nightmareThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
Kash Patel says he’s on alert as World Cup threats mount
Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleFBI Director Kash Patel has characterized the upcoming World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, as the "biggest lift" in the bureau's history (Getty)FBI Director Kash Patel has characterized the upcoming World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, as the "biggest lift" in the bureau's history, citing the immense security challenges posed by 48 teams, 3 million visitors, and diverse threats. As the lead domestic intelligence agency, the FBI is responsible for securing the event, conducting 300,000 background checks, and collaborating extensively with state and local law enforcement, particularly for counterdrone measures. Drones are identified as one of the most significant threats, prompting the FBI to launch a counterdrone training program that has already graduated 70 local police officers in U.S. host cities. To enhance international cooperation, the FBI established a joint operations center with police representatives from 46 participating countries to facilitate the real-time exchange of threat information, mirroring a model used for the 2026 Winter Olympics. A joint FBI/DHS threat assessment details specific risks, including security complications from Donald Trump's attendance, elevated threats related to Middle East conflicts, and potential violent protests during Iran's matches, while Patel faces ongoing scrutiny over his use of government aircraft. In fullKash Patel warns World Cup faces drone threat nightmareThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
