VIDEO: 2026 World Cup had zero major security incidents in US — FBI
Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- The FBI reported zero major security incidents during the 2026 FIFA World Cup hosted in the United States.
- FBI Director Kash Patel credited the Trump administration and federal, state, and local partners for the successful security operation.
- The bureau deployed nearly 5,000 personnel and established multiple coordination centers for intelligence gathering and information sharing.
The United States experienced no major security incidents during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, an event described by FBI Director Kash Patel as the largest sporting event in history and the biggest single-event security deployment ever undertaken by the bureau. Patel attributed the success to the Trump administration's proactive measures and the collaborative efforts of federal, state, and local partners.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup was the largest sporting event in the history of the world, shattering previous attendance record by double digits. America- we got it done, ZERO major security incidents across our nation while we hosted the equivalent of 78 super bowls in 38 days, along with 40 base camps, endless fan zones, and celebrations in nearly every state.
Patel stated on X that the tournament, which hosted the equivalent of 78 Super Bowls over 38 days with numerous fan zones and celebrations across nearly every state, was managed with "ZERO major security incidents." He highlighted that President Trump established the White House FIFA Task Force 16 months prior, initiating the groundwork for the operation.
President Trump promised his administration would deliver the most safe, secure, and fun environment for FIFA. He started by establishing the White House FIFA Task Force some 16 months ago, and we got right to work.
The FBI deployed nearly 5,000 personnel across its headquarters, field, and international offices to support security in the 16 host cities. This represented the largest resource dedication the FBI has ever made for any single event. To facilitate real-time intelligence gathering and information sharing, the bureau established multiple coordination centers, including a Joint Operations Center, an International Police Coordination Center, and an Intelligence Coordination Center.
This FBI led the charge dedicating nearly 5,000 personnel to the effort out of HQ, field, and international offices – across 16 host cities. And, none of what we accomplished is possible without our federal, state and local partners who all put in the same relentless effort. It’s the largest resource dedication the FBI has EVER made for a any event.
Additionally, the FBI implemented counter-drone measures, establishing the first-ever counter-unmanned aerial system (UAS) drone school to train law enforcement officers nationwide. Over 700 drones were seized near FIFA airspace. Patel emphasized that security operations also encompassed other major events occurring simultaneously, such as UFC 250 and SAIL 250, concluding that the FBI and its partners delivered the "safest and most secure World Cup in history."
This FBI stood up a Joint Ops Center, International Police Coordination Center, Intelligence Coordination Center, and more – all from scratch- to collect and share intel in live time.
Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.