US security officials are preparing for an unprecedented World Cup operation, with rising political tension around Iran adding a new layer of complexity to one of the biggest sporting events ever staged in North America.
The 2026 tournament will consist of 104 matches in 16 host cities across the United States, Mexico and Canada. That scale was always going to create a major security challenge, but the current global climate has raised the stakes.
Iran are also due to play two group games in Los Angeles, giving US authorities another sensitive issue to manage during the opening phase of the tournament.
Photo by Orhan Cicek/Anadolu via Getty Images
The Washington Post has reported on the challenges of the upcoming tournament and the task force that has been created to coordinate security efforts.
The operation will involve federal agencies, local police departments and private groups, with responsibilities ranging from stadium security and fan zones to escorting teams and high-profile officials.
Andrew Giuliani, executive director of Donald Trump's World Cup task force, described the US portion of the event as '78 Super Bowls over 39 days.'
He added: "There's never been a summer like this in American history from a security angle."
Officials have pointed to a wide range of tools, including drone defenses, robot dogs used for bag inspection, giant X-ray trucks and thousands of AI-powered cameras monitoring public spaces around fan areas.
The Secret Service is also set to protect world leaders and dignitaries who attend matches, while the FBI will activate joint operations centers in host cities on match days.
While there are currently no credible threats, preparations have been shaped by the conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran, political violence concerns and misinformation.
Iran's own build-up has already been complicated. The squad's travel to North America was delayed by visa issues before permits were secured, with their base moved from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico.
That base allows Iran to cross into the US for games in Los Angeles and Seattle. They begin against New Zealand at SoFi Stadium on June 15th, before facing Belgium in Los Angeles and Egypt in Seattle.
Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
Authorities in Los Angeles have already said Iran brings a different dynamic, with extra staffing and layered security expected around their fixtures. Drone enforcement and temporary flight restrictions are also part of the plan.
There are several issues still hanging over the tournament before the action settles. Security planning around Iran is one, while a potential SoFi Stadium strike is another concern ahead of the USMNT's opener.
The World Cup should be about the football once it starts, but the first week in the US is already carrying a heavy off-field backdrop.
