Security concerns shadow World Cup preparations

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.

Particular attention has focused on Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco state, which was shaken earlier this year by a surge in cartel-related violence following a military operation targeting organized crime leaders. According to local authorities, nearly 15,000 security personnel have been assigned to the region as the city prepares to host four World Cup matches.

"It's important to remember that normalcy returned to the state in less than 48 hours after what happened in February," Alfonso Briseno, Jalisco's security coordinator, told The Associated Press. "The Mexican government and the state of Jalisco guarantee their safety."

At the same time, Mexico City has experienced large-scale demonstrations ahead of the tournament's opening match. Teachers' groups, families of missing people and other civil-society organizations have staged protests in the capital, drawing attention to social and economic issues while taking advantage of the global spotlight surrounding the World Cup.

In the United States, officials and industry experts have identified drones as one of the most significant emerging risks facing tournament organizers.

Speaking to Reuters, Melissa Swisher, chief revenue officer of drone-detection company SkySafe, said low-cost drones have fundamentally changed security planning for major sporting events because they can enter restricted areas in a matter of minutes.

"A thousand-dollar drone that's going 40 to 45 miles per hour could cross two miles in under three minutes," Swisher said. "By the time somebody sees it, that's already over."

Experts say drones could potentially be used for unauthorized surveillance, monitoring team movements or gathering footage inside restricted areas.

Tom Adams, director of public safety at DroneShield and a retired FBI agent, warned that drones can bypass many traditional security measures.

"You have something that can overcome all those traditional security measures and get right over everything," Adams said.

To address the threat, law-enforcement agencies and technology companies are deploying detection networks around tournament venues. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has provided approximately $250 million to support drone-threat mitigation efforts in World Cup host jurisdictions, while the Federal Aviation Administration plans to impose temporary flight restrictions around stadiums during matches.

The preparations also offer an indication of the security planning required for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, another major international sporting event expected to rely on advanced surveillance, cybersecurity and counter-drone technologies.

Despite the challenges, officials in the host countries have expressed confidence in their preparations. Security measures have been strengthened at stadiums, airports, fan zones, team facilities and transportation hubs, with authorities deploying additional personnel and technology to address potential risks ranging from public demonstrations and organized crime activity to unauthorized drone operations and other disruptions.

Agencies contributed to the story.

renali@chinadailyusa.com