Robot dogs, surveillance drones, and artificial intelligence cameras: the technology ensuring security at the 2026 World Cup.

      **TL;DR** The 2026 World Cup will feature Boston Dynamics robot dogs, net-shooting drones, and AI cameras across 16 cities, with FEMA allocated $875 million for security.

      The 2026 World Cup launches next week in 16 cities throughout the US, Mexico, and Canada. This tournament, the largest ever with 48 teams, 104 matches, and spanning 39 days, also boasts the most technologically monitored environment in sporting history, incorporating robot dogs, drone hunters that shoot nets, and thousands of AI-driven cameras at venues and fan zones.

      “It’s akin to holding 78 Super Bowls over the course of 39 days,” stated Andrew Giuliani, executive director of Trump’s World Cup task force. FEMA has allocated $625 million to the 11 US host cities, with an additional $250 million designated for tracking and neutralizing potential drone threats.

      Boston Dynamics’ Spot robot dogs are on patrol at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, as part of Hyundai’s "Security Spot" initiative. The company asserts that it is deploying “the largest and most advanced mobility fleet to date,” thus becoming the first official partner to contribute robotics to the tournament. These robots are tasked with inspecting suspicious packages and hazardous materials.

      The presence of these quadrupeds has raised immediate concerns about surveillance. Rumors on social media suggested that the dogs could scan faces, but Boston Dynamics clarified to Chron that the robots lack facial recognition capabilities. Nonetheless, the prospect of robotic security at an athletic event drew comparisons to the Black Mirror episode “Metalhead.”

      Mexico will employ four robot dogs named K9-X across its three World Cup venues. Officials informed Wired that these robots will intervene in fights or drunken disturbances to assist officers. Details regarding the technology and manufacturer remain undisclosed.

      Drones are a significant concern. "If there’s one threat that keeps me awake at night, it’s drones," remarked New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch. Drones are prohibited over stadiums and fan zones. Counter-drone technology has swiftly emerged as a critical segment in defense technology, with the FBI claiming to have a comprehensive array of measures to counter incursion.

      Fortem is one company involved, asserting it has secured a multimillion-dollar contract with DHS for quadcopters that deploy nets to entrap incoming drones midair. DHS has declined to comment on the contract.

      AI-generated misinformation also poses a risk. Officials have warned that hostile state actors may employ deepfake videos to incite chaos. On match days, the FBI will activate joint operations centers in each host city. "If a video depicts an explosion at a location and it’s generated by AI, we’ll have personnel on-site to verify its authenticity," explained FBI Special Agent in Charge Amit Kachhia-Patel.

      In Dallas, a $120 million technological enhancement will provide police with body cameras that offer real-time translation, facilitating communication with international attendees. Additionally, multiple drone detection startups are collaborating with federal initiatives to secure the airspace.

      This extensive security framework comes amid a heightened atmosphere due to the US-Israel conflict with Iran, which has altered the perceived threats since the planning stages. Human rights groups have expressed concerns regarding the presence of ICE at the venues. Furthermore, according to Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, the Secret Service, responsible for safeguarding world leaders in attendance, is understaffed by approximately 860 agents.

      "We’re as prepared as we can be," Giuliani stated. The implied assumption is that technology will compensate for these gaps.