CBP concludes successful security ops for FIFA World Cup 2026TM

WASHINGTON - U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced the successful conclusion of its comprehensive enforcement operations for the FIFA World Cup 2026™. Over the course of the month-long tournament, CBP facilitated the safe and lawful travel of millions of international visitors while maintaining border security across 11 U.S. host cities, enforcing U.S. immigration and trade laws to secure the nation's borders.

"CBP's mission at FIFA World Cup 2026TM is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of the men and women of U.S. Customs and Border Protection," said CBP Commissioner Rodney S. Scott. "We put America First while showing the world that the U.S. is welcoming and open for business - as long as you follow the law! By integrating advanced technology, robust interagency partnerships, and unwavering vigilance, we ensured a secure environment for millions of fans and protected businesses by intercepting millions in counterfeit goods. This is America First in action!

CBP's Office of Field Operations served as the primary enforcement arm of this operation. For OFO, every day was 'game day' as they processed more than a million travelers daily while safeguarding our borders. Months of meticulous preparation culminated in the processing of more than 5 million Electronic System for Travel Authorization applications. OFO officers were the frontline authority for international arrivals, ensuring that every alien entering the country was vetted against national security databases. To maintain security standards, the agency utilized Trusted Traveler Programs and addressed more than 78,000 traveler inquiries through its AI-powered virtual assistant, "Compass."

The agency's security posture relied on extensive coordination between CBP's Operations Support, the Department of Homeland Security, and federal, state, and local law enforcement partners. This collaboration was managed through a central emergency operations center at CBP headquarters in Washington, D.C., with mobile command centers deployed to host locations to ensure rapid response capabilities.

CBP remained vigilant in protecting the U.S. economy as well as the intellectual property rights of trademark and copyright owners. At the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World 2026™, OFO officers conducted 2,246 IPR seizures, which intercepted 476,903 counterfeit items valued at $33,112,031, had the goods been genuine. However, CBP's seizures of counterfeits are about more than protecting the intellectual property of rights holders. These enforcement actions also protect the health and safety of the public, as well as disrupt the funding source of criminal enterprises that profit from human trafficking and forced labor practices.

CBP's Air and Marine Operations also played a critical role, providing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. AMO aircrews enforced no-fly zones and provided real-time video feeds to law enforcement partners, including a significant presence in Kansas City, where crews flew 56 missions totaling more than 200 hours.

"We provided intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance to enhance security," said Marc Sledge, director of the Great Lakes Air and Marine Branch. "Our mission was vital to successfully securing the venues and ensuring overall security success for the hundreds of thousands of fans in attendance."

Following the successful conclusion of the FIFA World Cup 2026™, CBP has returned to standard operations, continuing to apply the same high standards of security and enforcement that defined the agency's support for the tournament.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is America's frontline: the nation's largest law enforcement organization and the world's first unified border management agency. The 70,000+ men and women of CBP protect America on the ground, in the air and on the seas. We enforce safe, lawful travel and trade and ensure our country's economic prosperity. We enhance the nation's security through innovation, intelligence, collaboration and trust.

• Topics
• Air and Marine Operations
• Search and Seizure
• Trade Enforcement