WITH the FIFA World Cup arriving in 2026, cybersecurity experts warn that risks from drones and wireless surveillance will accompany the event, not just traditional physical and cyber security concerns. Wireless communications have grown in importance and connect to security systems, OT, and application connectivity, with drones increasingly used in conflict zones and posing potential dangers to civilians.
Cordell Bennigson of R2 Wireless notes that threat actors could disrupt OT in venues such as stadiums and traffic and public safety networks, emphasising the need for visibility of wireless systems.
The World Cup will expand to 16 stadiums across Canada, Mexico, and the US, with 48 teams and 104 games, and will require a massive increase in reliance on technology and automation, while first‑person‑view drones and drones’ dominance in Ukraine are cited to illustrate evolving threats, with current estimates attributing 80% of deaths and injuries to drones, according to Reuters.
During events, Bennigson says the RF environment will be one of the most complex cities have ever experienced, demanding layered defence that includes RF, radar, acoustic, and optical detection, and AI‑driven spectrum monitoring adopted by the EU and US. Local enforcement capacities are highlighted as a bottleneck, with Krishna Vishnubhotla noting many forces lack authority or tools to counter drones effectively, underscoring the need for training and coordinated responses at future major events.