U.S. intelligence agencies have alerted FIFA and World Cup organizers to potential security threats at the upcoming event, citing risks of attacks on infrastructure, civil unrest, and online extremist activity. Concerns include possible targeting of transportation, protests related to immigration enforcement, and potential disruptions at public viewing events. Funding delays are also impacting security preparations.
The U.S. intelligence community has warned FIFA and other World Cup organizers of the potential for extremists and criminals at the world’s largest sporting event. Here’s what we know: Intelligence briefings reviewed by Reuters highlight the risk for attacks on critical transportation infrastructure, along with retaliatory threats linked to the war against Iran.
RELATED: Iran wants to move its World Cup matches from US to MexicoThey also point to potential civil unrest from President Trump’s aggressive immigration enforcement. In a FIFA briefing from January, analysts warned that anti-ICE protests in U.S. host cities could incite "hostile actions by lone actors or extremist elements."A September intelligence report outlined online posts encouraging attacks on U.S. railroads during World Cup matches, while another report from New Jersey flagged the abundance of extremist propaganda online. RELATED: ICE says it will play a 'key part' in security for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the US: ReportSeveral World Cup and state officials told Reuters that "FIFA Fan Festival" events, where crowds can gather to watch matches on a big screen, are a particular concern. The heightened security risks come as World Cup organizers raise concerns over a stalled $625 million in FEMA grants to bolster security ahead of the U.S. matches. The funds were awarded March 18 after Reuters inquired about the money, but organizers said distributing the money takes months, and the funding lapse has caused World Cup preparations to fall behind."It will be extremely tight," said Mike Sena, president of the National Fusion Center Association, which represents a network of 80 information centers across the U.S. U.S. Rep. Nellie Pou, a New Jersey Democrat whose district includes MetLife Stadium, compared each of the World Cup's 104 matches to a Super Bowl."Local government, local law enforcement, will certainly have their hands full," Pou told Reuters. "They need every single dollar that they are eligible to receive, and they need it now."RELATED: 2026 FIFA World Cup 100 days away: What to know before kickoff!The World Cup kicks off June 11 in Mexico City, with 48 teams competing in matches in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. The first World Cup match in the U.S. will take place June 12 in Los Angeles. The World Cup final will be held July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
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