More than five million fans will descend on North America this summer for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. But amid heightened security concerns, the tournament could turn into a surveillance spectacle.

The US Department of Homeland Security is preparing to deploy multimillion-dollar counter-drone and biometric technologies at venues. From facial recognition to AI-powered camera-equipped robot dogs, the list of invasive surveillance tools is extensive.

Privacy International warns that this expansion reflects a global trend where major sporting events normalize everyday biometric monitoring. During the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, over 15,000 cameras monitored fans across stadiums and streets.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has urged FIFA to seek an “ICE truce” for the event, citing concerns about aggressive immigration enforcement. However, the exact role of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement remains uncertain.