U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul is urging the Trump administration to authorize the use of the National Guard to address potential drone threats ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In a letter co-signed with Elijah Crane, the lawmakers called on federal officials to take immediate action to secure airspace over the 11 U.S. cities that will host matches during the tournament. The letter was sent to Markwayne Mullin, Todd Blanche, and Pete Hegseth.
McCaul and Crane, both members of the House Homeland Security Committee, said the scale of the event and the number of jurisdictions involved could create security challenges, particularly in coordinating responses to unmanned aerial systems, or drones.
In the letter, the lawmakers said the National Guard’s ability to deploy quickly and operate across state lines makes it well-suited to assist with counter-drone measures and coordination among federal, state, and local agencies.
“The 2026 FIFA World Cup will bring an unprecedented number of global spectators to our homeland, and the eyes of the world will be on the United States,” the lawmakers wrote. “Ensuring the safety of these events and attendees is a responsibility we must meet with no room for error.”
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with multiple matches scheduled in major U.S. cities.