Lawmakers Urge National Guard Deployment for Drone Defense at 2026 World Cup

A bipartisan group of congressmen has called for the immediate deployment of National Guard units and interagency coordination to protect airspace over the 11 U.S. cities hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Citing the increasing threat of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), the lawmakers emphasized the need for robust counter-drone measures to prevent potential attacks, surveillance, or disruptions during one of the world's largest sporting events. In a joint letter to the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Defense, the representatives urged the creation of a unified airspace security plan, including real-time drone detection and mitigation capabilities. The letter highlights that existing federal authorities and local law enforcement may be insufficient to handle the scale of the threat, and that the National Guard's expertise and resources are critical. The World Cup, set to take place across North America, will draw millions of spectators and global media attention, making it a high-value target. The call for action comes amid growing concerns over drone incursions at major events and critical infrastructure.