United States fans go through security checks as they arrive to watch training for FIFA World Cup 2026 in Irvine, California, US, June 8, 2026. [Photo/Agencies]
As millions of fans prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup that begins on Thursday, security officials across North America are confronting a complex mix of challenges ranging from organized crime and civil unrest to emerging drone threats, underscoring the unprecedented scale of the tournament.
The expanded World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, is expected to be the largest in the tournament's history. While organizers have emphasized readiness and coordination among host cities, recent developments in Mexico and the United States have highlighted the increasingly complicated security environment surrounding major international sporting events.
In Mexico, authorities have significantly increased security deployments ahead of matches in Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey. More than 100,000 soldiers, marines, National Guard members and police officers are expected to participate in security operations across host cities and major tourist destinations during the tournament. Anti-drone units, surveillance systems and crowd-management teams have also been deployed in coordination with FIFA.
