As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, security officials are intensifying efforts to prevent potential terrorist attacks during the 39-day tournament, which will be held across three countries: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The tournament will feature 48 teams competing in 104 matches, with the United States hosting 78 games, including the opening match on June 12 in Los Angeles and the final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on July 19.

Concerns over possible attacks have been heightened by ongoing tensions in the Middle East, particularly involving Iran and its allied groups. Former law enforcement officials with extensive experience in Olympic security warn that Iranian “sleeper cells” and other extremist networks could view the World Cup as an opportunity for attacks. Bill Rathburn, former LAPD Deputy Chief and head of security for the 1984 Los Angeles and 1996 Atlanta Olympics, expressed confidence that such sleeper cells or surrogate agents may be present in the United States during the event.

Chris Swecker, a former FBI assistant director who oversaw security for the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics in the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks, also highlighted the complexity of the threat environment. Swecker pointed to the “presence of foes” from various global regions attending the World Cup and noted the influence of online radicalization. He identified Iranian-backed groups—such as Hamas and Hezbollah—as well as Al Qaeda, ISIS affiliates, and loosely aligned individuals as potential threats.

Officials emphasize that both stadiums and “soft targets” outside venues are of concern, requiring comprehensive intelligence and coordinated security efforts. The U.S. Secret Service serves as the lead agency for National Special Security Events like the World Cup, though the agency has faced criticism for previous security breaches. The scale and geographic dispersion of the tournament across multiple cities add layers of complexity to security planning.

The heightened alert follows recent escalations in the region, including U.S. strikes on Iranian targets last month after attacks on American naval vessels, which President Trump characterized as a “love tap.” Despite a declared pause in combat operations announced in mid-April by President Trump, Israeli strikes against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon have continued, resulting in casualties and further instability. At least 13 people were reportedly killed in Lebanon during strikes targeting Hezbollah facilities, underscoring the ongoing volatility that factors into U.S. domestic threat assessments.

Security officials face the challenge of protecting a global sporting event that brings together diverse populations in an environment that terrorists may see as “front and center.” With the World Cup’s opening match less than a month away, law enforcement agencies remain vigilant amid an atmosphere of heightened risk that demands robust intelligence gathering, interagency cooperation, and proactive counterterrorism measures.