World Cup 2026 to feature extensive surveillance technologies
12 reported3 unconfirmed
According to a WIRED report, the 2026 FIFA World Cup, expected to draw over 5 million fans across 16 venues in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will involve the deployment of a wide array of surveillance technologies. Experts and civil liberties groups have raised concerns that heightened terrorism concerns could be used to justify invasive surveillance without adequate safeguards, and that US Immigration and Customs Enforcement could carry out aggressive immigration enforcement during the tournament. The ACLU led a coalition of over 120 groups issuing a travel advisory for foreign nationals, warning of increased surveillance. Technologies include drone and counter-drone systems, AI-powered facial recognition, robot dogs, and real-time command platforms. Human Rights Watch has urged FIFA to seek an “ICE truce” for the event’s duration. Transparency around AI surveillance varies by state and operator, with many venues not clearly disclosing whether face recognition is used or how biometric data is retained. Analysts warn that surveillance infrastructure deployed for the World Cup could remain in place long after the tournament ends.
What’s reported
More than 5 million fans are expected to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup across 16 venues in the US, Canada, and Mexico.
The ACLU led a coalition of over 120 groups issuing a travel advisory for foreign nationals, warning of “increased surveillance.”
Fortem Technologies inked a “multimillion-dollar” deal with DHS to provide kinetic counter-drone technology for US venues.
DHS announced a new office for procuring drone and counter-drone technologies and a $115 million investment in such capabilities.
FEMA awarded $250 million to the District of Columbia and 11 host states through the Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems Grant Program.
Boston Stadium, Miami Stadium, and Atlanta Stadium are deploying AI-powered face recognition for fan entry and purchases.
Two AI-powered camera-equipped robot dogs will be deployed at the International Broadcast Center in Dallas; two more at New York New Jersey Stadium.
Kansas City announced last year it would pilot face recognition on local buses.
In Canada, Toronto unveiled a CAD 12.5 million police command center and is expanding body cameras for subway staff; Vancouver installed 200 surveillance cameras.
In Mexico, authorities deployed robotic security dogs around Monterrey Stadium.
Lenovo will deploy an Intelligent Command Center using digital twins; Booz Allen Hamilton will roll out its Sit(x) situational awareness platform at select venues.
Privacy International published a report on global deployment of biometric surveillance in soccer.
Open questions
The specific security contracts for the 2026 tournament have not been disclosed.
It is unclear whether face recognition systems are run by police or private contractors, or whether biometric data is retained after events.
The eventual role of ICE during the tournament remains uncertain.
Key figures
Jay Stanley, senior policy analyst, American Civil Liberties Union
Jake Laperruque, deputy director, Center for Democracy and Technology’s Security and Surveillance Project
Clara Lilley, senior digital campaigns officer, Privacy International
Ilia Siatitsa, lead of the Militarization of Tech Project, Privacy International
Matthew Guariglia, senior policy analyst, Electronic Frontier Foundation
A DHS spokesperson (unnamed)
Sources: Wired
