U.S. Moves to Fortify Drone Defenses Ahead of 2026 World Cup Amid Policy Gaps
The U.S. plans to invest $500 million in counter-drone defenses for the 2026 World Cup.
As the United States prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the federal government is intensifying efforts to bolster aerial security.
- The administration intends to allocate $500 million toward drone detection and mitigation during the tournament.
- These funds will be made available to all 50 states, with priority for stadium venues hosting the 104 World Cup matches.
According to Andrew Giuliani, director of the White House’s 2026 World Cup task force.
Emerging legislative and operational challenges, particularly the expiration of key counter-UAS authorities due to the ongoing government shutdown, underscore vulnerabilities in the nation’s ability to protect critical infrastructure and major events.
Author's summary: U.S. invests $500 million in counter-drone defenses for 2026 World Cup.