The Trump administration is moving to harden U.S. airspace against potential drone threats ahead of next summer’s FIFA World Cup, launching a $500 million national program to help state and local governments deploy counter-drone defenses at major events.
The new initiative, announced by Andrew Giuliani, director of the White House’s FIFA World Cup 2026 Task Force, will fund anti-drone tools and training in all 50 states, with a focus on the 104 matches being played across U.S. stadiums. The effort comes amid growing concern over the proliferation of drones that could threaten public gatherings, with many fearing that the U.S. is not prepared to counter such threats.
“Everybody from governors to police commissioners to stadium security chiefs say this is something they need in order to protect the sites,” Giuliani said.
He noted that the initiative reflects an urgent push to strengthen security for not only the World Cup, but also the U.S. 250th anniversary and 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
Under the plan, urban police departments and local agencies would be equipped with handheld systems capable of detecting, tracking and, when authorized, disabling rogue aircraft through jamming or command override. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will oversee grant disbursement, using funds drawn from the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill,’ enacted in July.
The mitigation issue
The program will also test the boundaries of drone mitigation authority, an issue that remains unresolved in Congress. Currently, only federal agencies, such as DHS and the Department of Justice, are legally authorized to intercept or disable drones. With a House bill extending those powers to local police stalled, the administration is considering temporary DOJ waivers that would allow states and cities to take down hostile drones during high-risk events.
“Drones are a disruptive technology. They have an amazing potential for both good and ill,” said Sebastian Gorka, senior director for counterterrorism at the National Security Council. “We will increase the enforcement of current laws to deter two types of individuals: evildoers and idiots, the clueless and the careless.”
World Cup host cities already receive security support through a $625 million DHS grant program, and additional guidance will soon be issued to help states apply for the new counter-drone funds.
Protection at the state level
Local authorities have been tasked with preparing to secure the public against drone threats for those matches that take place in their states. Lieutenant Mike Ward and Sergeant Brett McCormick of the New Jersey State Police will speak alongside Rob Robertson of the Arlington Aviation Authority at the Протидія БПЛА Національна безпека США conference in February, where the trio will offer some insight into the preparation taking place at the state level to secure World Cup matches against drone threats.
The White House is also coordinating with Canada and Mexico, which co-host the 2026 World Cup, on joint airspace protection. The three nations held their first trilateral counter-drone meeting in Mexico City earlier this year.
Beyond the tournament, administration officials say the initiative will advance U.S. leadership in drone defense technology, an area where they believe foreign competitors, particularly China, have gained ground.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem described the effort as part of a broader “weapons-technology revolution,” warning that drones “are being used to smuggle deadly drugs, target our infrastructure and spy on U.S. defenses.”
With just nine months until kickoff, officials say the timing leaves no room for delay:
“Let’s use the World Cup as the urgency,” Giuliani said. “There’s no pushing that back. So let’s get the equipment we need to make sure it’s as safe as possible.”
ПОВ'ЯЗАНОГО З ЦИМ КОНТЕНТУ: Drone regulation in focus at Counter UAS Homeland Security Europe conference
Post Image Credit: The White House via X
Follow C-UAS Hub on LinkedIn for regular counter-UAS content updates.
