Kash Patel describes FBI security operation for World Cup

FBI Director Kash Patel said the agency and its partners used a highly coordinated security plan to protect the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which drew millions of fans to 11 U.S. venues. Patel said the operation relied on nearly 5,000 FBI personnel, extensive background checks, and realtime intelligence sharing with domestic and international law enforcement. He also said the bureau focused heavily on counterdrone measures, including intercepting more than 700 unauthorized drones. According to Patel, the effort helped prevent major criminal incidents during the tournament and allowed games to proceed safely across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. He credited cooperation among the FBI, the White House task force, and local and foreign police partners for the result.