FIFA World Cup 2026 - Safety & Security Measures

‍Introduction

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico in June and July. While an exciting occasion for fans, the tournament raises major security concerns due to the heightened risk of potential violence and the challenge of protecting large scale events. Increased security risks will require attending individuals, groups, and corporations to proactively anticipate threats, ranging from crime and cyberattacks to potential large-scale violence.

‍

Protest Activity 

Anti-ICE protests are expected at multiple World Cup matches across North America. In the U.S., a group of 2,000 food service workers at SoFi Stadium near Los Angeles has threatened a strike if ICE is allowed in the facility. Nonetheless, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, ICE will have a significant presence at the games located in the U.S., which could lead to conflict between demonstrators and officers. Attendees should follow local police guidelines specific to their city, and sign up for local city police and emergency alerts.

‍

Crime in Major Cities

As with all large gatherings being hosted in major cities across North America, attendees at World Cup games and associated events should be aware of increased risks related to petty crime and crowded urban environments. Keep belongings secure to prevent pickpocketing, and stay in well-reviewed hotels in safe areas.

‍

Mexico will host many World Cup games in major cities, including Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey. Drug cartel violence, which has flared in recent months, could be a key concern for individuals and groups attending games in the country. Although Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, has ensured there is no risk to fans attending these games, attendees should monitor U.S. State Department travel advisories closely for the specific area they are visiting, and exercise high caution as needed.

‍

Potential for Cybercrime

The global scale and size of the 2026 World Cup makes it an attractive target for cybercriminals. State-backed actors could attempt to target critical infrastructure and transportation networks of areas where games are being located. Federal agencies have warned states to prepare for the possibility of such attacks.

‍

Cybersecurity experts have already identified over 498 malicious domains established to carry out scam ticket sales, as well as fake merchandising sites designed to steal users' credentials. Fans should purchase tickets and merchandise only from trusted vendors and exercise caution when dealing with third-party vendors.

‍

General Safety Tips

Here are some general tips to help you remain safe and vigilant when attending World Cup events:

• Stay aware of your surroundings.
• Create a family / group safety plan in case anyone becomes separated.
• Review event and stadium policies including bag rules, payment methods, parking, and prohibited items.
• Use only official transportation or trusted rideshare apps.
• Familiarize yourself with emergency exits at the stadiums and other venues you visit.
• Avoid accessing sensitive information on unsecured Wi-Fi networks.
• Purchase tickets only from authorized and trusted vendors.

‍

Ultimately, staying safe at the World Cup is about understanding the environment and taking simple steps to avoid risks. By prioritizing safety and being prepared, attendees can focus on enjoying the thrilling matches and the vibrant atmosphere of the tournament.For information on how to travel to these games safely, check out our article on best practices for holiday travel.

‍

To stay ahead of these risks, Red5 delivers comprehensive security solutions for organizations to stay prepared before, during, and after major events. Our analysts work alongside your team to provide expert-driven actionable insights that protect your business. Connect with Red5 to learn how expert-driven insights can help protect your business.

‍