Preparing for the World Stage

This summer, millions of fans from around the globe will pour into stadiums, transit hubs, and entertainment districts across the nation to experience the thrill of the FIFA World Cup 2026™. Between hosting matches, team base camps, Fan Fests, and training centers, more than 20 states are supporting the World Cup in some capacity–nearly half the nation. 

An enormous amount of behind-the-scenes coordination is underway to ensure fans, families, and athletes have a safe, seamless, and unforgettable experience. In fact, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has designated all 78 matches with Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) Level 1 and 2, underscoring the significance of the event. This is a 240% increase of similarly rated events compared to an average year.

As part of the coordinated DHS-wide preparations, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has been working with partners in the government at all levels and private sector, as well as with states and host cities to strengthen preparedness, sharpen communication, and make sure communities are ready. 

A Host City Getting Ready for the Global Stage

CISA’s collaboration with the city of Seattle is just one standout example of how CISA is working with host cities to help ensure all participants can celebrate safely. Through immersive, scenario driven exercises at Lumen Field, and in coordination with the region’s transit system, CISA helped local partners stress test plans, strengthen coordination and operational readiness, and build confidence that fans can enjoy a secure experience while they focus on the game. These collaborative efforts also provided valuable feedback and lessons learned for the stakeholders involved, enabling ongoing improvements to security strategies for future events. 

Inside the Lumen Field Full Scale Exercise

A full-scale exercise is a major production, designed to provide a simulated crisis response experience. More than 460 participants from more than 25 organizations navigated a stadium packed with energy, noise, and fast-moving challenges. Participants confronted scenarios that felt straight out of game day — unruly fan behavior, potential pyrotechnic issues, and sudden crowd surges. These situations required split-second decision making and seamless collaboration among public safety officials, stadium operators, transit teams, and first responders. The exercise offered a safe learning environment where participants could refine communication, validate emergency plans, and practice unified decision making under pressure.

Strengthening Seattle’s Transit Lifeline

Planning doesn’t stop at the stadium. A world class event depends on a world class infrastructure, including transportation. In February, the CISA team kicked off planning discussions with a tabletop exercise, followed by a functional exercise in April that brought those plans to life. Participants tackled complex scenarios involving intelligence sharing, evacuation decisions, and rapid restoration of service. 

These shared experiences helped transit and emergency response partners rehearse what it takes to safely move tens of thousands of fans through the region during high visibility events. 

CISA’s Role in Building Resilience

As preparations accelerate for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, these efforts represent far more than operational planning for a single global event. They highlight the essential role CISA plays in safeguarding the systems and infrastructure that millions of Americans rely on every day. From protecting the nation’s critical infrastructure to strengthening the resilience of the digital and physical systems that underpin our economy, CISA’s work is fundamental to ensuring the safety, stability, and confidence that allow communities across America to thrive.

Honoring the Broader Spirit of Freedom 250

This year we reflect on 250 years of the American story and the values that bind us together. By helping communities like Seattle build readiness, strengthen coordination, and foster trust across sectors, CISA is contributing to a more resilient nation, ensuring that as we commemorate this milestone, communities can gather, celebrate, and participate in iconic events with confidence.

Learn more about how CISA supports major events or how your organization or community can strengthen its own readiness: cisa.gov/FIFAWC.