U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin said the United States is lagging in safeguarding stadiums against drones for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The admission suggests a critical security gap just weeks before the global tournament begins. If counter-drone measures remain inadequate, federal officials fear that the safety of fans and athletes could be compromised during high-profile matches.
Speaking in Kansas City, Missouri, Mullin said, "Everybody’s a little behind on safeguarding against drones at the World Cup." He said the safety of those attending the tournament is in jeopardy.
Kansas City is a key site for the event and will host six World Cup matches [1]. These specific games are scheduled to take place between June 16 and July 11, 2026 [2]. The timing of the warning comes as the government attempts to finalize security protocols for multiple host cities across the country.
Federal and local officials expressed concern that a lack of specialized equipment could allow unauthorized drones to threaten stadiums. This vulnerability persists despite the high visibility of the event and the potential for coordinated security threats.
"We are working to get counter‑drone capabilities in place, but we need more time and resources," Mullin said.
The Secretary did not specify the exact nature of the resource shortfall—whether it be funding, hardware, or personnel—but said current preparations are insufficient for the scale of the event.
“"Everybody’s a little behind on safeguarding against drones at the World Cup."”
The warning from the Department of Homeland Security highlights a systemic struggle to keep pace with rapidly evolving drone technology. By publicly acknowledging a deficiency in resources and time, the U.S. government is signaling that the rapid deployment of counter-UAS (unmanned aircraft systems) technology is now a primary security priority to prevent aerial disruptions or attacks during the tournament.
