The Donald Trump administration admitted that drones represent the biggest security threat to the 2026 World Cup, which starts on June 11 in the United States. The statement was made at a hearing in the US Congress by the Secretary of Homeland Security, Markwayne Mullin.
“When it comes to anti-drone measures, everyone is a little behind,” Mullin told the House Homeland Security Committee on Tuesday. “Drones are my biggest concern. Every day we get better, but it’s a huge concern.”
Since December, the administration has allocated $250 million to help host cities address these threats, according to the Front Office Sports website. The funds came from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (Fema) and were distributed among the 11 host states and Washington, D.C.
The money finances systems for tracking and neutralizing unauthorized aircraft. On game days, planes and drones are prohibited from flying within a radius of approximately 5.6 km of the stadiums or from flying below 900 meters. The Federal Aviation Administration enforces flight restrictions near the 11 arenas.
California received the largest share, at $34.6 million. The state hosts 14 games — eight at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood and six in Santa Clara — more than any other in the United States.
New Jersey will host eight games at MetLife Stadium, including the July 19 final, and raised $21.7 million. New York got $17.7 million, mostly allocated to the state police and NYPD.
In Kansas City, the matches will be at Arrowhead Stadium, on the Missouri side. The state received $14.24 million, supplemented by $5.3 million going to neighboring Kansas.
