World Cup matches in U.S. to have counter-drone systems

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1–2 minutes

Summary

Officials said all 78 World Cup matches in the U.S. will have counter-drone protection after an alleged White House attack plot was disrupted.

Why this matters

The story highlights how U.S. authorities are preparing for drone threats at major public events, including the 2026 World Cup. It also underscores expanding federal and local coordination on counter-drone enforcement.

As investigators examined an alleged drone attack plan involving the UFC 250 event at the White House, law enforcement sources said FIFA World Cup matches across the United States could also be potential targets.

Andrew Giuliani, head of the White House World Cup Task Force, told ABC News that all 78 World Cup matches in the U.S. will have counter-drone technology.

“All 78 of the matches in the United States of America have counter drone mitigation protection, and every fan fest, one fan fest in every single city throughout the duration of the World Cup will have counter-drone mitigation coverage,” Giuliani said.

He said counter-drone measures include jamming a drone so it stops moving and descends. Giuliani said work began last year to educate local police departments about drone threats, and that recently enacted legislation allowed those departments “to be able to press the button to mitigate drones.” He said the law also allowed local departments to be trained by the FBI in counter-drone measures.

Giuliani, the son of former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, credited President Donald Trump with putting the measures in place.

The FBI said it disrupted an alleged plot targeting the “UFC Freedom 250” fights at the White House on Sunday that included explosive drones designed to target buildings in the area, according to multiple sources familiar with the situation.

FBI Director Kash Patel said in a statement to ABC News that law enforcement became aware of the UFC drone plot on June 10, the Wednesday before the event. He praised the “rapid action” of the FBI and its partners, including “a multi-state operation.”

Five people were in custody in the alleged drone plot as of Tuesday morning, according to sources.

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