US Plans $500M Anti-Drone Security for World Cup and Major Events

The U.S. government is set to deploy a half-billion-dollar drone security program to protect major upcoming events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to a report. The initiative aims to bolster airspace defense by enabling state and local authorities to identify and neutralize rogue drones over stadiums and other critical locations. Andrew Giuliani, head of the White House FIFA World Cup 2026 Task Force, told POLITICO that officials from various levels have emphasized this capability as essential for site protection.

Financed through the Department of Homeland Security's recent budget, the program addresses growing national security worries. "Drones are a disruptive technology. They have an amazing potential for both good and ill. We will increase the enforcement of current laws to deter two types of individuals: evildoers and idiots — the clueless and the careless," said Seb Gorka, National Security Council counterterrorism director. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem further highlighted risks, noting drones "are being used to smuggle deadly drugs, target our infrastructure and spy on US defenses."

The plan involves a significant partnership between federal agencies like the DHS, FBI, FAA, and local law enforcement. FIFA’s Chief Safety and Security Officer, G.B. Jones, stressed the necessity of providing all partners with the legal frameworks and resources needed to mitigate drone threats across all venues where risks are present. This collaborative approach is deemed vital for the safety of the World Cup matches.

Beyond domestic security, the program also seeks to coordinate anti-drone measures with the World Cup co-hosts, Canada and Mexico. A concurrent goal is to address current gaps in U.S. law, which largely restrict the authority to intercept drones to federal agencies, thereby empowering local authorities for more effective response during these large-scale international events in the United States.