FIFA President Gianni Infantino Demands Strict Security for 2026 World Cup in the US
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has called for enhanced security measures prior to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be staged in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Because the tournament will be the biggest ever, with 48 teams and 104 games, Infantino emphasized that security for fans, players, administrators, and staff is at the top of the agenda.
Speaking at a recent security conference in Atlanta, Infantino highlighted FIFA's commitment to making stadiums and their surroundings safe, secure, and welcoming to everyone involved. "Football is a celebration that unites people everywhere in the world. It is our collective responsibility to make each match a delight to be played out in a safe and positive setting," he said.
In order to make this mission easier, FIFA has implemented a Safety and Security Learning Platform that will serve as a key resource for local authorities, stadium managers, and law enforcement agencies. This will assist in the development of collaboration among stakeholders and provide expert advice on best practice for managing mass events. The site is also destined to play a central part not only in the 2026 World Cup but also in the lead-in FIFA Club World Cup to be hosted in 2025, again in the United States.
Security planning for the tournament also involves close cooperation with U.S. federal and local governments. Infantino has met with members of the Department of Homeland Security and the State Department to discuss the major logistics, including visa processing, immigration procedures, and secure transportation routes for the tens of millions of supporters who are estimated to travel around North America throughout the tournament.
Organizing such a large tournament is a formidable task. Infantino likened staging the event to hosting "three Super Bowls a day for a month" and highlighted the scale and sophistication of the endeavor. In light of that, a task force has been established to coordinate government-level support to the tournament's infrastructure, including security and logistics. The collaboration between FIFA, local organizing committees, and national governments is seen as key in ensuring the efficient and secure staging of the tournament.
The United States will host the majority of the tournament's games, including pivotal ones such as the opening game and the final. Cities like New York, Los Angeles, Dallas, and Miami are preparing to welcome tens of thousands of fans, and all have been tasked with developing robust security plans. Stadium security, emergency response coordination, cyber attacks, and security on public transportation are all actively being considered.
FIFA is also planning to enhance the spectator experience by incorporating additional entertainment elements. Specifically, the 2026 World Cup final will feature a halftime show for the first time in World Cup history, a measure taken in order to pull in broader crowds and represent the influence of U.S. sporting culture.
Infantino highlighted the fact that World Cup success would depend not merely on the football being played, but on what experience was created for the spectators, the players, and also global viewers. "This is greater than a tournament—it's an international occasion which brings people together. We want all our people to be safe, treated with respect, and feel that they belong to something special."
As preparations go into top gear, focus is on creating a secure environment without diluting the festive atmosphere of the World Cup. With over a year to go, FIFA and its stakeholders are ratcheting up efforts to ensure that the 2026 World Cup sets new standards in sporting excellence as well as public safety.
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FIFA President Gianni Infantino Demands Strict Security for 2026 World Cup in the US
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