NEW YORK — The World Cup, a 48-team, 104-match behemoth kicking off next week across 16 cities in the United States, Mexico and Canada, presents an unprecedented security challenge, with more countries, games and a larger footprint than ever before.

Millions of soccer fans are expected to congregate across 11 U.S. cities for the World Cup, and security planners have been coordinating with state, local and federal law enforcement agencies to monitor unprecedented security threats.

Officials expand rail service and increase law enforcement presence as visitors begin filling the region ahead of tournament play.

With the World Cup just days away, security planners say they are preparing for an “unprecedented” nationwide operation to protect the largest tournament in FIFA history.

US officials have confirmed that Iran's World Cup players have received visas, clearing the way for Team Melli to compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

ROBOT dogs are set to protect Fifa staff during this summer’s World Cup. Incredible video footage has emerged of the robo pooches ahead of next Thursday’s big kick-off. The dogs will

The World Cup comes against the backdrop of the U.S. and Israel’s war with Iran, mounting political violence in President Donald Trump’s orbit and growing fears of artificial intelligence-fueled disruptions,

International fans are already landing in North Texas ahead of World Cup matches, with many—like visiting supporters from Sweden—arriving early to explore and plan their transportation. Transit agencies say they’re prepared for the surge: DART is expanding bus service and increasing rail frequency to 20‑minute intervals.

The 2026 World Cup will be a $365 million test of the United States’ systems to protect crowded stadiums from drones as they upend modern warfare and increasingly become a threat to domestic security.