Published 03/20/2026 13:12 | Edited 03/20/2026 15:34
United States intelligence services have identified serious risks to the security of the 2026 World Cup, co-organized by the USA, Mexico and Canada. Federal, state and FIFA reports — obtained by Reuters — point to concrete threats of extremist attacks, criminal actions and civil unrest, worsened by delays in the release of security resources.
The reports highlight heightened risks to transportation infrastructure, online extremist propaganda and already thwarted plots. A December 2025 document from New Jersey — host of the final at MetLife Stadium — mentions recent dismantled domestic attacks and spontaneous gatherings linked to international tensions. Another report from September 2025 identified posts encouraging attacks on railroads during games on the west coast of the US and Canada.
A FIFA weekly report dated January 28, 2026 explicitly warns that anti-ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) activism can open gaps for actions by isolated extremists. The war with Iran also raises the risk of retaliation. Events such as Fan Fests in open areas are considered particularly vulnerable.
Mike Sena, president of the National Fusion Center Association (which brings together 80 intelligence fusion centers), declared in a congressional hearing that delays in distributing resources make the schedule “extremely tight”. Acquiring security equipment, such as anti-drone systems and sensors, can take months — and the tournament starts in less than 90 days.
The White House blames the opposition for the delay in the security scheme
White House spokesman Davis Ingle stated that President Donald Trump wants to “make the World Cup the biggest in history” and “the safest ever.” However, he blamed Democrats for budget impasses linked to disputes over immigration enforcement.
Federal Representative Nellie Pou (Democrat – New Jersey), member of the House Security Task Force and representative of the district that includes MetLife Stadium, compared each of the 104 matches to “a logistical Super Bowl”. “Local governments and law enforcement will have their hands full. They need every dollar now,” said Pou, who pushed for the immediate release of funds and introduced a bill to ban ICE operations within a one-mile radius of stadiums and Fan Fests.
The package of US$625 million in federal funds for security — approved by Congress in July 2025 as part of a Republican bill — only began to be released by Fema last Wednesday (18), after questions from the press and parliamentarians. Democrats blame the impasse on former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Trump’s immigration policies, which spark protests and fears among foreign fans. Data from the Department of Commerce already records a drop in the arrival of international visitors.
Source: vermelho.org.br
