World Cup 2026 poses unprecedented security test across United States, Mexico and Canada | OneFootball

The 2026 World Cup opens on Thursday and presents an unprecedented security challenge. Expanded to 48 teams with 40 extra matches and a new round of 32, it spans the United States, Mexico and Canada across 16 cities and four time zones from 11 June to 19 July.

Andrew Giuliani, the White House lead on preparations, told ESPN the scale is without precedent. New Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin likened it to 78 Super Bowls in 38 days, with the NBA Finals overlapping and 4 July’s 250th anniversary stretching resources, over 400 US police departments involved, and Mexico set to deploy about 100,000 officers as it hosts 13 matches, the same as Canada.

With rules varying by venue, coordination will be critical. The NFIP network and the Council of Europe’s Saint-Denis Convention committee have held working groups with FIFA, hosts, teams, supporter representatives and experts, feedback describing the dialogue as constructive or excellent.

An International Police Cooperation Centre in Leesburg, Virginia, modelled on Euro 2024, brings national representatives together with real-time information-sharing. Paulo Gomes says the goal is to harmonise differing frameworks, while Daniel Hedman believes such structures have historically proved effective.

Two French anti-hooliganism officers are stationed in Leesburg for France’s campaign, but there will be no spotters alongside fans after the American hosts deemed them unnecessary. Some delegations will send their own reinforcements, though not France, a decision lamented by groups of France supporters who fear escalation and uncertainty.

Recent US events, Copa América 2024 and the 2025 Club World Cup, flagged recurring risks, including ticketless crowds near stadiums, pyrotechnics, movement between stands and large banners, as seen around the 2024 Argentina v Colombia final in Miami, which ended 1-0 after extra time. Organisers are also monitoring extreme weather, terrorism, cybersecurity and drone threats, while a shooting in Kansas City on Saturday injured nine near England’s base. The geopolitical backdrop has shifted too, with war in Iran, US involvement and Team Melli’s participation.

Source: L'Équipe