Tackling security and operational challenges at the 2026 FIFA World Cup

This will be the largest World Cup ever. A total of 48 teams will play more than 100 matches in 16 host cities. The tournament will open in Mexico City and end with the final match held near New York.

The unprecedented scale of the tournament across 16 venues, with diverse risk environments will create major security and operational challenges for organisations. These challenges affect both those sending personnel from abroad and those based in host cities. Authorities at national, state and municipal levels, working with FIFA, will enforce extensive security measures. Around 50,000 police and security personnel will be deployed, along with more than 65,000 FIFA volunteers in logistical roles.

Proactive planning is essential to manage heightened security risks and operational disruption during the tournament.

Crime

The influx of fans will attract petty criminals, particularly through opportunistic crimes such as pickpocketing, bag snatching and theft from vehicles. Violent crimes such as mugging and assault are also more prevalent during major sporting events, particularly in nightlife districts and higher-risk neighbourhoods. Certain matches may spark fan violence and hooliganism, which can spill over and affect other fans, business travellers and locals.

Crime risks are hightest in the three Mexican host cities, mainly driven by elevated rates of petty and violent crime, as well as known cartel presence. While risks vary between Mexican, US and Canadian cities, all travellers and local staff should remain vigilant, especially in crowded areas and after dark.
Unrest

Protests against the tournament and government spending on stadiums and infrastructure are likely, particularly in Mexico. Anti-gentrification protests in August already featured anti-World Cup rhetoric. Activist groups in Canada and the US may use the event’s profile to highlight political, economic or social causes, as seen with Indigenous and environmental protests before the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.

Protests during the tournament, particularly near stadiums, pose a credible risk of travel disruption for fans, business travellers and local personnel, particularly if they result in additional road closures. Despite FIFA’s reported requests to limit interference, clashes between protesters and security forces remain possible, particularly in Mexico and US hotspot cities.

Terrorism

Terrorism risks are elevated as a result of the tournament’s high-profile nature, and are particularly heightened in the United States. Lone-wolf actors and Islamic State-linked groups are credible threats, with domestic actors aided by easy firearm access. However, authorities have not identified specific threats as of December 2025, and strong security measures should reduce risks. American authorities in higher-risk cities such as New York City and Los Angeles are almost certain to increase security presence at World Cup event venues, transportation hubs and major tourist sites. Travel disruption resulting from heightened security measures, particularly at airports and train stations, is likely to be recorded throughout the tournament.

On top of these event-specific risks, travel to the tournament will take place amidst heightened political risks within the United States, which is hosting 78 of the tournament’s matches. 

Statements from US President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino suggest that the Trump administration may still remove matches from cities it considers unsafe, highlighting the need for flexible itineraries.

Although large-scale Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations targeting illegal immigrants at select matches are unlikely, they still pose a potential security risk to fans and business travellers because of the chance of incidental violence.

Operational risks

Approximately six million fans are expected to attend matches and fan zones throughout the tournament. Temporary influxes of up to 100,000 fans in some cities are liable to be recorded for matches between countries with large travelling fanbases. Personnel travelling to North America during the tournament, whether to attend matches or for general business travel, are almost certain to see inflated pricing for accommodations, flights, and intra-city transport. Media reports indicate that several cities are already experiencing accommodation shortages, and security providers have reported a significant increase in inquiries for ground support and close protection. 

Organisations in host cities are liable to be affected by demand surges for medical care, public transport, taxis and rideshare services. Travel disruption will be most prevalent in the vicinity of the tournament’s venues and fan zones, as well as at major transportation hubs and on major highways and roads between airports, city centre areas and tournament venues. Cities are expected to establish multiple security perimeters around host stadiums, with closures of nearby major roads almost certain. 

Advice for businesses with staff in or travelling to host cities

• Consider deferring non-essential travel to World Cup host cities for the duration of the tournament to mitigate against elevated security and operational risks, as well as expected surge pricing for flights, accommodation and transportation.
   
• For business-essential travel to host cities, book flights and accommodation early. Consider arranging dedicated ground support services for travellers as options will be limited and costly.
   
• Plan for travel delays and road closures. Where possible, allow staff to work from home on matchdays, especially if offices are near stadiums, fan zones, or major transport hubs.
   
• Stay alert and follow Healix risk mitigation guidelines. Keep valuables out of sight, or left at your accommodation, avoid protests or large crowds, and limit time near high-profile sites like transport hubs and stadiums.