U.S. anti-drone boost ahead of World Cup

Image: Coliseum GSVA / Michael Rennschmied

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has unveiled plans to invest $115 million in counter-drone technologies to improve security ahead of this year’s World Cup.

CNN said the money will be overseen by a new DHS office focused on quickly buying and deploying drone and counter-drone technologies.

The technology will be deployed by the DHS which is under pressure to secure World Cup venues, as well as events marking 250 years of American independence.

The US co-hosting one of the biggest sporting events on the planet, the FIFA World Cup, this summer has intensified pressure on federal officials to do more to prevent drones from disrupting proceedings.

Eleven US cities will host matches. Over a million international visitors are projected to come to the US for the tournament.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the 23^rd FIFA World Cup, the quadrennial international men’s soccer championship contested by the national teams of the member associations of FIFA.

The tournament will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026. It will be jointly hosted by 16 cities—11 in the United States, three in Mexico, and two in Canada. The tournament will be the first to be hosted by three nations.

This tournament will be the first to include 48 teams, an expansion from 32.

CNN further stated that the Federal Emergency Management Agency, a part of DHS, last month gave $250 million to 11 states hosting World Cup matches to buy counter-drone technology.

Cheap and available online, drones have been a major security concern for public safety officials for years.

A Baltimore man pleaded guilty last year after flying a drone over M&T Bank Stadium in the city during the 2025 NFL playoff game between the Ravens and Steelers.

The move also comes as a response to the increasing technological sophistication of drug cartels, which have used their own drones and cyberattacks to help ship narcotics and surveil U.S. officials.

“Drones represent the new frontier of American air superiority,” Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in a statement.

Last year the NFL, MLB, the NCAA and NASCAR said they support a Bill introduced in the U.S. Congress that would give the State and the local law enforcement authorities the ability to disable drones during sporting events which the leagues say have become an increasing threat.

Continue to follow Coliseum for latest updates on venues business news. Coliseum is dedicated towards building the best global community of sports and entertainment venue executives and professionals creating better and more profitable venues.

Become a member of the only Global Sports Venue Alliance and connect with stadiums, arenas and experts from around the world. Apply for membership at coliseum-online.com/alliance and make use of the 365Coliseum Business.

• Tags »
• Homeland Security
• security

« Previous News: ANZ Arena ode to Australia rich tennis legacy
» Next News: UT at Austin planning 6,000-seat arena