Securing the American Experience

A Global Celebration, A Shared Responsibility

As we head into a summer of landmark activities, people will gather from across the nation and around the globe to cheer their favorites at FIFA World Cup 2026™.  This is also the year America marks 250 years of freedom and independence, and as President Trump has emphasized, FIFA World Cup 2026™ represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase the beauty and greatness of America. With millions of international visitors expected to come to the U.S. for 78 matches hosted across 11 U.S. cities, the tournament will be one of the most significant and complex sporting events in world history. Keeping people, fans, athletes, and communities safe so they can focus on the fun requires extensive planning and preparation behind the scenes.

Large Events are Core to the American Experience

Big events and big celebrations are woven into the fabric of the American experience. They bring fans, families, and communities together in moments that reflect our shared values of democracy, unity, and freedom. As the nation marks 250 years of independence, these gatherings take on even greater significance, offering the world a first-hand look at America’s openness, innovation, and leadership. Protecting large gatherings is about more than security; it’s about safeguarding the moments of pride, connection, and celebration that define who we are.

CISA’s Role in Keeping Major Events Safe

As the national coordinator for critical infrastructure security and resilience, CISA plays a vital role in preparing for high-profile events that draw large crowds. CISA works with federal, state, local, tribal, territorial, and private sector partners to help host communities and venues prepare and test their security and emergency response plans through risk assessments, emergency communications exercises, and other planning activities. 

CISA’s work is rooted in partnerships. The agency’s staff around the nation provides site assessments, multiagency exercises, cyber threat monitoring, infrastructure resilience planning, and training with host cities. CISA’s involvement helps ensure stadiums, transportation systems, communications networks, and essential services can operate securely and without disruption. Here is just a sample of what that takes to cover the 78 U.S.-hosted World Cup matches, while also continuing to support other special events:

• Over the last year, CISA completed physical and cybersecurity vulnerability assessments at World Cup host stadiums, FIFA basecamps, team hotels, and supporting critical infrastructures.  Additional planning, training, and exercise services have been coordinated and delivered in each of the host cities.  
• In January 2026, CISA organized six exercises specifically aimed at the World Cup preparations, involving nearly 200 federal partners and 2,000 participants from stadiums and host cities. 

On the Horizon: How CISA is Readying for Multiple Milestone Events in 2026

Over the coming weeks, look for more updates from CISA with behind-the-scenes insights into our work with partners to create an unforgettable summer of celebration and commemoration.

If you’re interested in learning more about how CISA supports major events including FIFA World Cup 2026™, Freedom 250, and other special events or how your organization or community can strengthen its own readiness, visit cisa.gov/FIFAWC.

This blog kicks off a series from CISA highlighting how we are preparing alongside partners to ensure a safe, resilient FIFA World Cup 2026™ and other major events.