Team USA Faces Drone Threats Amid World Cup Preparations
As Team USA gears up for the World Cup next month, another team—Team FED—is tackling a different kind of challenge: the threat of drones. These unmanned aerial vehicles are becoming a significant concern for local governments, particularly with an influx of events on the horizon.
This year, the United States is allocating $250 million to address the “egregious and illegal” use of drones. Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Ala.), who heads the House Appropriations subcommittee, emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating, “Drones are now a huge threat.”
Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-N.J.) also expressed his concern, noting the stakes involved, especially since many activities will unfold in New Jersey. “It’s a real challenge,” he remarked.
In June, the FBI established a new National Counter-UAS Training Center in Huntsville, Alabama. Here, they instruct local law enforcement on how to identify, track, and even neutralize drone threats. This training includes appropriate methods to remove drones from the air if needed.
The full training program spans two weeks and is currently instructing 60 participants from each of the 11 World Cup host locations, including popular spots like New York and New Jersey. It incorporates hands-on training alongside a significant capstone field exercise aimed at building a unified counter-drone strategy.
These local teams will also collaborate with personnel from FBI field offices and the Secret Service to ensure safety throughout the 39-day tournament.
To bolster security, the government is distributing millions. Texas has received an additional $3.2 million aimed at curbing “unauthorized or potentially dangerous drone activity” near crucial sites, such as for the game in Dallas. Meanwhile, New York and New Jersey are set to receive $17 million for drone protection around MetLife Stadium, which will host the finals on July 19 with major performances planned.
The World Cup, taking place over 39 days across 11 cities in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, adds to the urgency of enhanced security measures. While officials are reluctant to disclose the specifics about the counter-drone technologies that will be used, some commercial companies provide various options. These range from drone jammers to directed energy weapons and even systems that allow police control over rogue drones.
Federal authorities are particularly vigilant given a past incident where a drone was used during an assassination attempt on Donald Trump in 2024, revealing vulnerabilities in the system at the time. Sources indicated that the Secret Service’s detection capabilities were nonoperational, having provided agents with only minimal training.
In addition to domestic concerns, drones have significantly influenced military operations—most notably in conflicts involving Iran and Ukraine—raising alarms about their potential use against U.S. allies in sensitive regions.
Rep. Anthony Garbarino, chair of the House Homeland Security Committee, underscored the importance of acquiring robust anti-drone technology, stating, “We just need to make sure we buy it.”
