US Department of Homeland Security chief: drone protection for World Cup is somewhat behind

US Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem acknowledged that preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup against drone threats are not where they should be. Federal and local officials are working to ensure the safety of stadiums and fans ahead of the football tournament. Coordinating drone defence for a major event has proven to be a complex challenge.

US Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem publicly acknowledged that preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup against drone threats are not where they should be. "We are somewhat behind on drone protection," Noem said, referring to both federal and local authorities.

Federal and local security officials have been racing to develop measures to protect the tournament's venues and fans from potential drone incidents. The World Cup will take place in 2026 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, meaning security arrangements cover an exceptionally large geographic area and multiple countries' jurisdictions.

The use of drones has grown explosively in recent years among both hobbyists and bad actors, making their prevention at large outdoor events challenging. The stadiums hosting World Cup matches are in densely populated areas where drone incidents could quickly escalate into dangerous situations for thousands of spectators.

According to Noem, her department is actively working to close gaps, collaborating closely with tournament organisers, governments of participating countries, and local law enforcement. The goal is to ensure that all parties implement unified and effective drone defence protocols before the tournament's opening match.