The 2026 FIFA World Cup is now underway, with matches moving to U.S. soil after opening in Mexico City. The tournament features 48 teams, 104 matches, 11 American cities, and more than five million tickets sold.
The U.S. federal government has committed more than $1 billion to World Cup security through two FEMA grant programs: $625 million for general security preparedness and $500 million specifically for counter-drone measures. This buildout comes as unauthorized drone incursions over NFL stadiums jumped from 67 in 2018 to 2,845 in 2023—a 42-fold increase, according to NFL security chief Cathy Lanier.
During the 2024 AFC championship game between the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs, a drone entered restricted airspace, halting play. The operator later pleaded guilty to violating national defense airspace. A similar incident occurred at a Ravens-Steelers wild-card playoff game 13 months later. For most of that period, the league lacked legal mechanisms to stop such incursions.
The security investments signal a permanent shift in how large-scale sporting events are protected. Counter-drone technology and airspace monitoring systems deployed for the World Cup are expected to remain operational after the tournament ends, potentially setting a new security standard for future events.
Critics argue that the massive spending may be disproportionate to actual risk, noting that drone incursions have not resulted in casualties or significant property damage. Some question whether a permanent security apparatus is justified for events that occur only periodically.