Safeguarding the American experience

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency outlined an expansive security and resilience campaign for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and America’s 250th anniversary observances, saying preparations are already underway with host cities and a broad network of government and private partners.

In a statement kicking off a series of updates, the agency framed the summer’s marquee events as both a global showcase and a logistical test, with millions of international visitors expected for 78 World Cup matches across 11 U.S. cities. The agency linked its efforts to the country’s semiquincentennial commemorations, casting large-scale gatherings as emblematic of national values and a chance to highlight U.S. openness and innovation.

CISA, which serves as the national coordinator for critical infrastructure security and resilience, said it is working alongside federal, state, local, tribal, territorial, and private sector partners to help venues and communities prepare. That support includes risk assessments, emergency communications exercises, and planning activities designed to keep stadiums, transportation systems, communications networks, and essential services operating smoothly.

According to the agency, teams over the past year completed physical and cybersecurity vulnerability assessments at World Cup host stadiums, FIFA basecamps, team hotels, and supporting critical infrastructure. Additional planning, training, and exercises have been tailored to each host city.

In January 2026, CISA organized six exercises focused on World Cup readiness that drew nearly 200 federal partners and 2,000 participants from stadiums and host cities. The drills are part of a broader campaign that also features cyber threat monitoring and infrastructure resilience planning to reduce the risk of service disruptions during matches and related festivities.

The agency emphasized that protecting large gatherings is about more than hardening sites against threats; it is also about preserving the civic rituals and communal moments that accompany milestone events. With the United States approaching 250 years of independence, CISA positioned this summer’s calendar as an opportunity to balance celebration with safety.

While the World Cup will be spread across multiple nations, U.S. organizers face a particularly complex operational picture given the number of matches, venues, and anticipated travelers. CISA’s role centers on readiness rather than public-facing security, working behind the scenes to stress-test plans, coordinate information sharing, and bolster local capabilities.

The agency said it will publish additional behind-the-scenes insights in the coming weeks as preparations accelerate for the World Cup, semiquincentennial events branded as Freedom 250, and other special gatherings on the 2026 calendar.

Organizations and communities seeking guidance on enhancing their own readiness for large-scale events can find resources and updates at cisa.gov/FIFAWC.