President Donald Trump’s administration is preparing for what could become one of the largest security operations ever conducted on American soil.
As the United States gets ready to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, federal officials expect millions of international visitors to arrive over a little more than a month, creating enormous challenges for homeland security, law enforcement, border protection, and public safety agencies nationwide.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said Sunday that there are currently no known specific threats targeting the tournament. However, he acknowledged that the sheer number of people expected to travel to America creates significant security concerns.
Officials estimate between 5 million and 7 million visitors could enter the country during the World Cup, making it one of the largest international events ever hosted in the United States.
Despite the challenge, Mullin said the Trump administration is confident it can deliver a safe and successful tournament.
“We’re going to have a safe and one of the best World Cups in history,” Mullin said during an appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union.”
The massive event will take place from June 11 through July 19 across multiple cities in North America, with the United States hosting the majority of matches.
But protecting the games involves far more than stadium security.
Federal authorities must also secure team training facilities, hotels, transportation networks, fan gathering areas, host cities, and other critical locations connected to the tournament.
According to Mullin, the scale of the operation is unlike anything the country has faced before.
He compared the challenge to hosting dozens of Super Bowls at the same time.
“We have to keep in mind 78 Super Bowls in 38 days,” Mullin said.
Many of the matches are expected to attract audiences larger than the NFL’s championship game, requiring extensive coordination among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
The Department of Homeland Security is leading much of the effort, working alongside local police departments, emergency response teams, Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and other federal partners.
Mullin said preparations have been underway for years and that officials remain confident in their security posture.
At the same time, he criticized Democrats over earlier funding disputes that he believes complicated planning efforts.
According to Mullin, delays involving funding for Homeland Security, ICE, and CBP created additional challenges as agencies worked to prepare for the historic event.
While emphasizing that the Trump administration is fully prepared today, Mullin argued that a more stable funding environment would have made planning easier and allowed agencies to strengthen preparations even further.
Even with those obstacles, federal officials say they are ready.
The stakes could hardly be higher.
The 2026 World Cup will place the United States in the global spotlight, bringing millions of visitors, billions of dollars in economic activity, and unprecedented attention to America’s ability to host a safe international event.
For the Trump administration, success will depend on balancing hospitality with security while protecting millions of fans, athletes, and visitors from around the world.
As the countdown continues, one thing is clear: the World Cup is shaping up to be one of the biggest homeland security tests America has ever faced.