Two Republican members of the United States Congress have called for a more active deployment of the National Guard to address potential drone-related threats and wider security risks ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. They have urged the Trump administration to ensure a unified federal security framework for the tournament.
On Friday, Michael McCaul and Elijah Crane, members of the House Homeland Security Committee, sent a formal letter to Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, and Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth. The letter outlines concerns over security coordination and the need for enhanced preparedness across multiple federal and state agencies.
The lawmakers stressed that major international events such as the World Cup require robust measures to mitigate emerging threats, particularly those involving unmanned aerial systems. They argued that the National Guard should be granted appropriate authority to assist in counter-drone operations and broader security support functions.
They also called for urgent inter-agency coordination to secure the airspace over 11 host cities across the United States during the summer. According to the letter, staffing shortages and jurisdictional complexities between host cities and organising bodies could create fragmented security arrangements, which may weaken overall preparedness.
The lawmakers emphasised that the National Guard’s ability to deploy rapidly nationwide, combined with its extensive experience in domestic emergency response, makes it particularly suitable for supporting federal and state authorities. They highlighted its potential role in counter-unmanned aerial systems operations and in ensuring integrated security coverage throughout the tournament period.
The letter comes amid heightened security attention following a shooting incident during a White House Correspondents’ Dinner event in Washington, which occurred a day before the lawmakers’ request regarding drone-related military support was made public. The incident has contributed to renewed scrutiny of security arrangements ahead of the tournament.
In response to broader concerns, the White House stated on Monday that World Cup matches would proceed safely despite the recent shooting incident. White House spokesperson Davis Ingle said in a statement that President Donald Trump intends to ensure the tournament is not only an enjoyable experience for spectators but also the most secure and well-protected edition in its history.
The relevant parties contacted by Reuters, including the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Justice, and the Pentagon, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Key Details
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Lawmakers | Michael McCaul, Elijah Crane |
| Recipient agencies | Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth |
| Main concern | Drone threats and wider security risks |
| Proposed measure | Increased role for the National Guard |
| Host cities mentioned | 11 across the United States |
| Context incident | Shooting at White House Correspondents’ Dinner event |
| White House response | Matches will proceed securely; emphasis on safety under President Trump |
The lawmakers’ proposal centres on establishing a more unified federal security approach for the 2026 World Cup, with particular focus on countering drone threats and addressing inter-agency coordination challenges.