US Confirms New World Cup Safety Measures Amid ICE Security Concerns

The United States have confirmed a number of safety measures which will be in place for the World Cup amid potential threats for the tournament.

The US are co-hosting the tournament alongside North America neighbours Mexico and Canada, with 78 of the 104 matches taking place in the country.

More than 5 million people are set to visit the US for the showpiece, which begins on June 11 and concludes on 19 July with the final at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

There are a whole host of concerns going into the tournament though, with Donald Trump administration's issuing visa bans to 75 countries and the aggressive efforts from ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) to detain and deport those deemed to be living in the US illegally.

11 different cities in the US will stage games in the World Cup and a new article from The Independent provided insight into the many methods implemented for safety and security throughout.

What are the safety measures being brought in for the World Cup?

Donald Trump has introduced a number of controversial measures ahead of the World Cup. Image: Getty

The newspaper reported that The Department of Homeland Security announced are poised to protect fixtures by forking out $115 million for "counter-drone technologies" that are seen as "the frontier of American air superiority".

All 11 host cities are to benefit from FEMA allocating $350 million's worth of funds to go towards buying anti-drone technology and equipment so that defence mechanisms are in place in the event of any drone attacks.

Following the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, it's claimed that analysts gained knowledge of a potential cybersecurity breach as a router was compromised.

Worryingly, it's said this could have led to a major disruption of communications and specifically the streaming services showing games.

There were more than 140 cyberattacks around the Olympic Games in Paris in 2024 but according to Dark Reading, preparations meant that there were no major issues.

For the World Cup, there is an increased risk of attempted hacking of sorts, with Chris Grove, director of cybersecurity strategy for Nozomi Networks, believing the "different political and social landscape" could lead to groups trying to make a statement.

The US have a total of 78 games at the World Cup. Image: Getty

Therefore, a House Committee task force are believed to have made it a key focus around both the World Cup and the nation's 250th anniversary celebrations on July 4.

For security, $625 million has been allocated through the FIFA World Cup Grant Program - as well as further funds from the US federal government bringing total costs to more than one billion dollars.

Law enforcement, cybersecurity and emergency response are some of the areas which the money will contribute towards.

Andrew Giuliani, who is leading the White House Task Force on the World Cup, called it "one of the largest commitments of safety resources ever made for a single event".

Metal barriers have been rolled out across a number of cities in a bid to protect pedestrians following the 2025 New Year’s Day attack in New Orleans, with some able to stop a vehicle of 1102 kg vehicle moving at 30 miles per hour.

Since adopting a strong anti-immigration policy, close to 3 million people have been deported from the US.

There have also been thousands arrested by masked ICE agents, something which has brought in a huge sense of fear going into such a significant event.

Visa applications from a total of 21 countries, including World Cup participants including Iran, Brazil, Colombia and Egypt, have been banned by Trump.