The United States recorded no major security incidents during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with FBI Director Kash Patel describing the tournament as the largest sporting event in history.
Patel disclosed this in a post on his official X handle on Sunday. He praised federal, state and local law enforcement agencies for working together to secure the tournament.
He said the competition broke previous attendance records by double digits, adding that the United States hosted the event without any major security breach despite staging matches and celebrations across the country.
“The 2026 FIFA World Cup was the largest sporting event in the history of the world, shattering the previous attendance record by double digits. America — we got it done, ZERO major security incidents across our nation while we hosted the equivalent of 78 Super Bowls in 38 days, along with 40 base camps, endless fan zones, and celebrations in nearly every state,” Patel wrote.
He credited President Donald Trump for making security a priority before the tournament. He said the White House FIFA Task Force started work about 16 months before the competition.
“President Trump promised his administration would deliver the safest, most secure, and fun environment for FIFA. He started by establishing the White House FIFA Task Force some 16 months ago, and we got right to work,” he said.
Patel said the FBI deployed nearly 5,000 personnel from its headquarters, field offices and international offices across the 16 host cities, describing it as the bureau’s biggest deployment for a single event.
“This FBI led the charge, dedicating nearly 5,000 personnel to the effort out of HQ, field and international offices across 16 host cities. None of what we accomplished is possible without our federal, state and local partners who all put in the same relentless effort. It’s the largest resource dedication the FBI has EVER made for any event,” he added.
Patel added that the FBI set up a Joint Operations Centre, an International Police Coordination Centre and an Intelligence Coordination Centre.
He said the centres helped officials gather intelligence and share information in real time throughout the tournament.
The FBI also created its first counter-unmanned aircraft systems training school for law enforcement officers before the World Cup.
Patel said authorities seized more than 700 drones that entered restricted airspace around FIFA venues.
“We established the first-ever counter-UAS drone school, training members of law enforcement from across the country for the World Cup. We seized over 700 drones near FIFA airspace,” Patel said.
Patel said security agencies also handled other major national events during the same period, including UFC 250, SAIL 250 and State Fair 250, while keeping the World Cup safe.
“President Trump’s leadership set the course; he led the way, and this FBI and our partners rose to the challenge. Thanks to all our partners, FIFA, the Department of Homeland Security, the White House FIFA Task Force and its Director, Andrew Giuliani,” Patel stated.
External links
Federal Bureau of Investigation
FIFA World Cup
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
