The United States recorded no major security incidents during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), marking what officials have described as one of the most successful security operations in global sporting history.
FBI Director Kash Patel disclosed this in a statement on Monday, noting that the tournament was not only the largest sporting event ever held but also the most extensive single-event security deployment undertaken by the bureau.
Patel credited the success of the operation to coordinated efforts between federal, state, and local agencies, as well as the leadership of President Donald Trump’s administration.
He emphasized that preparations began over a year before the tournament, with the establishment of the White House FIFA Task Force to oversee planning and execution.
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“The 2026 FIFA World Cup was the largest sporting event in history, surpassing previous attendance records by significant margins.
Across 38 days, equivalent to hosting 78 Super Bowls, there were zero major security incidents nationwide,” Patel stated.
The FBI reportedly deployed nearly 5,000 personnel drawn from its headquarters, field offices, and international divisions to cover security operations across the 16 host cities.
This, he said, represents the largest resource commitment ever made by the bureau for a single event.
To ensure real-time intelligence gathering and coordination, the FBI established multiple operational centres, including a Joint Operations Center, an International Police Coordination Center, and an Intelligence Coordination Center.
In addition, the agency introduced advanced counter-drone measures during the tournament. A specialized counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) training program was launched for law enforcement officers nationwide, leading to the interception of over 700 unauthorized drones near restricted FIFA airspace.
Patel also noted that the security framework extended beyond football matches, covering other large-scale events that took place simultaneously during the World Cup period.
He concluded by commending all participating agencies and stakeholders for their collaboration, stating that the combined efforts ensured a safe, secure, and successful global tournament.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted across multiple cities, has been widely praised not only for its record-breaking attendance but also for its seamless organization and security execution.
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