Legions of security officers and police have been mobilized for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to safeguard fans, players, and venues, as the tournament faces unprecedented security challenges.
On the day of a send-off match in Chicago, a heavy police presence greeted football fans as the United States faced Germany. Heavy municipal vehicles provided a ring of protection for spectators outside the stadium, and all spectators underwent security checks upon entry.
One of the key concerns is that this tournament takes place against the backdrop of the U.S. war with Iran. Richard Kolko, a retired FBI special agent and member of the U.S. security team at four Olympic Games, said the situation has undoubtedly exacerbated people's concerns.
"Security at these games is critical, and people are worried about every potential threat out there. There are agencies and organizations that are seeking out any threats that may be bubbling up from around the world, either online, using sources, and of course, it's a very difficult time in the world right now, so that kind of elevates the concern," Kolko said.
Mexico, which is co-hosting the tournament, recently demonstrated its security readiness with a training exercise. The country is deploying 100,000 security officers and has also tightened security at high-profile tourism sites following a shooting at the country's Teotihuacan archeological zone in April that left one Canadian tourist dead.
There are also concerns around gun violence in the United States.
A mass shooting last weekend in Kansas City, Missouri, one of the World Cup host cities, was the 171st mass shooting this year, defined by Gun Violence Archive as an event in which four or more people are killed or injured.
Anti-drone technology will be used around World Cup stadiums, as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security recently stated that drones remain its biggest concern.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup provides an unprecedented security challenge. Taking in 16 host cities across three countries, this is the most spread-out World Cup ever.
According to Kolko, each of these cities will not only need to protect the game venues, but also the businesses and public places that will see increased traffic due to the event.
"Guarding the stadium, that's truly the easiest part. They could do that with the guards, gates, and guns, and including that air cover that will be necessary. It's those soft targets outside the stadium. When you think about the parking lots, or the places people are going around the games, the restaurants. Those are much harder to secure. But law enforcement has to be ready for anything," Kolko said.
The security operation at this World Cup is expected to cost more than one billion U.S. dollars and will involve a multitude of federal agencies, state and local police departments and private security companies.
Security overdrive for 2026 FIFA World Cup to address multiple challenges
Security overdrive for 2026 FIFA World Cup to address multiple challenges
A senior South Sudanese official called for reform to the international system that still has considerable room for improvement when it comes to equality, fairness, and inclusiveness.
Speaking at the 2026 Forum on Global Human Rights Governance on Friday, Agnes Oswaha, Undersecretary of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of South Sudan, said that inequalities remain a grim reality today and Global South countries bear the brunt of an unevenly structured global system.
"Inequalities within and among nations remain a grim reality that is yet to be addressed. Countries of the Global South are faced with sanctions, the burden of foreign debts, manipulation by external actors, among others," said Oswaha.
Oswaha denounced the lack of representation for developing countries on the world stage. She said that within the Global South, only China holds a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, despite the fact that the vast majority of issues on the council's agenda directly affect developing nations.
The diplomat also criticized international financial institutions, such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Funds, saying their assistance often come strings attached. She said that these institutions tend to impose excessive and impractical conditions and prescribe policies without considering a country's economic priorities.
Oswaha argued that today's most pressing crises cannot be solved through isolated or unilateral means, and urged a wholesale modernization of global bodies.
"The challenges and opportunities of our time, from catastrophic climate change and pandemics, security and conflicts, are global concerns rather than national issues. For us to overcome and progress, we must address them collectively and effectively. We must reform our multilateral institutions, reform them in such a way that can promote the principles of sovereignty, equality, collective action and impartial adherence to international law," said Oswaha.
She praised China for championing a cause that will reduce gaps and tensions within and among nations, setting the foundation for a world where progress approaches collectively and is achieved fairly.
Oswaha called on the United Nations to overhaul its approach to global crises to better serve the interests of the developing world.
"The United Nations must adapt an approach to the current challenges that is inclusive, holistic, people-centered and action-oriented in order to carry forward the developmental aspirations of all people within the Global South and the world at large. Therefore, South Sudan urges for solidarity, peaceful coexistence, religious tolerance through collective and coordinated action in order to benefit all people," said Oswaha.
The two-day forum, which opened on Thursday, marks the 40th anniversary of the adoption of the UN Declaration on the Right to Development. It focuses on advancing human rights through development and will foster discussions on global human rights governance issues. Over 400 participants from over 100 countries and international organizations, including the United Nations (UN) were in attendance.
South Sudan diplomat calls for reform to unjust international system
