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 amid rising infrastructure threats and expired counter-UAS authorities.
As the country prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the federal government is intensifying efforts to bolster aerial security. However, legislative and operational challenges, including the expiration of key counter-UAS authorities due to the ongoing government shutdown, underscore vulnerabilities in protecting critical infrastructure and major events.
According to Andrew Giuliani, director of the White House’s 2026 World Cup task force, the administration intends to allocate $500 million toward drone detection and mitigation during the tournament.
- The funds will be made available to all 50 states.
- Priority will be given to stadium venues hosting the 104 World Cup matches.
Author's summary: US to invest $500M in counter-drone systems.