Preparing for 2026: Governors Focus on Safety, Coordination and Fan Experience

As the United States looks ahead to hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026, Governors continue to champion the planning, coordination and investments that make these events a success.

On 24 February, the National Governors Association (NGA) continued to support Governor's offices in their planning efforts by hosting a briefing and discussion with security and public engagement officials from the FIFA World Cup 2026 team. This briefing and discussion built on the tremendous work being done by host states, and offered a chance for a discussion with a larger number of impacted states.

The briefing and discussion focused on security and safety considerations, both physical and cyber, related to all aspects of the World Cup, including at game venues, team base camp sites, fan fests, and other areas where teams and fans may congregate or travel. The discussion also focused on nuances of the FIFA World Cup, and the on-going coordination, including with team fan bases, that goes on behind the scenes to ensure fans have a safe and memorable experience.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is expected to bring in an increased number of soccer fans across the country, including at least 15 states hosting a game or team base camp or both, along with numerous other states impacted by increased travel and other events. More than 80 participants from 30 states were represented during the briefing and discussion.