Experts warn of homegrown extremist risks as 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches
- Security concerns have heightened ahead of the FIFA World Cup due to fears of homegrown violent extremists and strained resources within federal law enforcement organizations.
Security fears surrounding the upcoming FIFA World Cup have escalated after counterterrorism specialists cautioned about a heightened threat level with the tournament now just weeks away.
Specialists believe that the security anxieties have been amplified by the strains related to the U.S.-Iran conflict, along with worries over a decrease in seasoned counterterrorism staff within federal law enforcement organizations.
According to multiple security professionals, the most significant risk stems from homegrown violent extremists - frequently lone operators who may have been radicalized online through extremist political material or terror organizations. It comes as U.S. President Donald Trump admits he wouldn't buy World Cup tickets due to extortionate prices, as per The Mirror US .
MetLife Stadium will host eight FIFA World Cup games this summer, including the Final -Credit:Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images
"We need to protect not only each venue, but all the other links in the chain that get to the point of the game," said Javed Ali, associate professor at the University of Michigan and former official with the FBI, Department of Homeland Security, and the National Security Council, where he served as senior director for counter-terrorism. "There are just so many games. There's only so many resources to deploy to try to buy down risk against a number of different threats."
While the United States has considerable expertise in securing major sporting events such as the Super Bowl, specialists caution that the magnitude of the World Cup will require an unprecedented degree of coordination, vigilance, and operational stamina due to the quantity of venues and fixtures involved.
In March, the FBI carried out a large-scale domestic terrorism training exercise drawing agents from across the nation, aimed at preparing for major national security events, including the World Cup.
During internal discussions regarding the tournament's scale and complexity, FBI agents reportedly acknowledged the considerable challenges of maintaining consistent security coverage across a geographically spread game schedule.
The tournament will span approximately six weeks and feature 104 matches across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with the U.S. hosting the bulk of games — 78 spread across Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, Philadelphia, the San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle, and East Rutherford, New Jersey.
To listen to the latest episode of 'All Out Soccer' - CLICK HERE
The Department of Homeland Security has confirmed that only the final at MetLife Stadium will be designated a National Special Security Event (NSSE). That designation carries the highest level of federal protection. All remaining matches will fall under Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) levels 1 or 2, the two highest risk classifications, which still demand substantial federal law enforcement resources.
In the meantime, FEMA has set aside $625 million to strengthen security and emergency readiness for the tournament. While stadiums are regarded as heavily fortified "hard targets," counter-terrorism specialists warn that the chief concern centers on "soft targets" such as hotels, transportation hubs, and large fan gatherings throughout host cities.
All 11 host cities will host official FIFA fan festivals featuring live entertainment, concerts, and large-screen broadcasts across the duration of the tournament.
Beyond these organized festivities, thousands of additional watch parties at bars, venues, and public spaces throughout the host nations are anticipated to substantially swell crowds far beyond stadiums and designated fan zones.
