US Lawmakers Seek National Guard Support for World Cup

Two Republican members of the United States Congress have formally requested the Trump administration to increase the involvement of the National Guard to counter potential drone strikes and other security threats during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The lawmakers are advocating for a “unified central security system” to safeguard the international sporting event.

Formal Request for Enhanced Security

On Friday, Michael McCaul and Eli Crane, both members of the House Homeland Security Committee, dispatched a formal letter to high-ranking administration officials. The correspondence was addressed to the Secretary of Homeland Security, Markwayne Mullin; Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche; and the Secretary of Defence, Pete Hegseth.

The lawmakers emphasised that granting the National Guard necessary authorities is essential to mitigating security risks, specifically those involving Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). They argued that a robust and integrated federal security framework is required to handle the scale of a global tournament.

Addressing Inter-agency Vulnerabilities

McCaul and Crane have urged for immediate inter-agency cooperation to secure the airspace of the 11 host cities across the United States. They identified several critical vulnerabilities that could lead to a fragmented security environment:

• Manpower Shortages: Current staffing levels may be insufficient for an event of this magnitude.

• Jurisdictional Complexities: Legal ambiguities between host cities and the tournament organising committees could hinder rapid response.

• Technological Threats: The increasing accessibility of drone technology necessitates specialised Counter-UAS (C-UAS) capabilities.

The lawmakers highlighted that the National Guard is uniquely positioned for this role due to its rapid deployment capabilities and extensive experience in domestic emergency response. They believe the Guard is the most effective force to assist both federal and state administrations in ensuring comprehensive protection.

Context of the Security Appeal

The request for military support coincided with a period of heightened domestic tension. The appeal was issued just one day prior to a shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington. While that incident involved a gunman rather than a drone, it has intensified the discourse surrounding the safety of the upcoming World Cup matches.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be a historic event, hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The United States will host the majority of the matches across 11 designated metropolitan areas.

US Host Cities and Stadiums

Official Response and Government Stance

Despite the concerns raised by the lawmakers, the White House issued a statement on Monday to reassure the public. White House spokesperson Davis Ingle stated that the administration is confident in its ability to host the matches safely.

Ingle remarked that President Trump is committed to ensuring that the 2026 World Cup is not only a premier experience for spectators but also the “most secure and protected tournament in history.” At the time of reporting, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Justice, and the Pentagon had not provided immediate comments to Reuters regarding the specific proposal to mobilise the National Guard.