ODNI Hosts Symposium with Law Enforcement to Ensure Security of 2026 FIFA World Cup

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ODNI News Release No. 09-26
May 12, 2026

ODNI Hosts Symposium with Law Enforcement to Ensure Security of 2026 FIFA World Cup

WASHINGTON - In support of President Trump's directive to make the 2026 FIFA World Cup "the Greatest and Safest Sporting Event in American History," the Office of the Director of National Intelligence's (ODNI) National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) today hosted the "2026 FIFA World Cup Analytic Symposium" with federal, state, and local government partners to prepare and coordinate Intelligence Community support ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is set to take place in cities across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

During the Symposium, subject matter experts from intelligence and law enforcement agencies provided presentations on the global threat landscape, counterterrorism response, narco-trafficking, cyber threats, and malign influence activities. Attendees also received detailed briefings about intelligence and security coordination posture and the ongoing social and political considerations in Canada and Mexico.

"President Trump invited millions from around the world to visit the United States during our nation's 250th anniversary celebration and to cheer on the world's greatest soccer players at the 2026 FIFA World Cup," said DNI Gabbard. "We are working strategically through interagency coordination to ensure the intelligence community is postured and fully engaged with law enforcement elements to support the safety and security of all Americans and visitors attending events across the 16 host cities."

The Symposium attracted more than 100 officers from across the Intelligence Community as well as law enforcement partners and senior representatives from the White House FIFA World Cup Task Force. Hundreds of additional officers and partners attended virtually from their home offices across North America.

ODNI is further assisting in preparations leading up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup through the following:

• Earlier this year, the Joint Counterterrorism Assessment Team (JCAT) - a collaboration of NCTC, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and state, local, tribal, and territorial government personnel - published four new unclassified intelligence products with recommendations and resources for ensuring public safety and security of events across the U.S. during the 2026 FIFA World Cup and other significant events in 2026.

• ODNI's National Intelligence Counsel is co-leading an Intelligence and Threat Working Group with the FBI and DHS that focuses on enhancing collection, analysis, and engagement with domestic and international stakeholders.

• Prior to the first match, NCTC will provide host cities with critical intelligence support for security planning considerations, threat landscape assessments, and screening and vetting.

• Throughout the tournament, NCTC will provide intelligence support by analyzing all-source information on threats to the event, the host cities, athletes, and attendees.

• Additionally, NCTC will leverage its field-based Regional Representatives and 24/7 National Counterterrorism Operations Center to facilitate real-time intelligence and information sharing with partners across the host cities.

With less than 40 days until the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ODNI will continue working around the clock with the White House Task Force, and federal, state, local, and international partners to help ensure the safety and security of attendees, athletes, officials, and cities during this historic event.

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