Two Republican members of the US Congress have urged the deployment of the National Guard to address potential drone-related threats and wider security risks ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, calling for a unified federal security framework under the Trump administration.
Michael McCaul and Elijah Crane, members of the House Homeland Security Committee, issued a letter on Friday to Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.
In their correspondence, the lawmakers stressed that enhanced powers for the National Guard are necessary to counter drone-based threats and other security challenges associated with a major international sporting event such as the World Cup. They argued that a coordinated and robust federal security system is essential to manage risks effectively.
The letter also highlighted the need for urgent inter-agency coordination to secure the airspace over 11 host cities in the United States during the summer period. The lawmakers warned that staffing shortages, combined with legal jurisdictional complexities between host cities and organising committees, could result in fragmented security arrangements. They therefore called for a single, integrated federal security structure.
According to McCaul and Crane, the National Guard’s rapid deployment capability and nationwide operational reach make it particularly well-suited for such a role. They also cited its extensive experience in responding to domestic emergencies. In their view, these attributes would allow the force to play a key supporting role in counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) operations and in strengthening cooperation between federal and state authorities for World Cup security.
The main points raised in the letter are summarised below:
| Issue | Detail |
|---|---|
| Primary concern | Drone-related threats and broader security risks |
| Proposed measure | Expanded deployment and authority for National Guard |
| Security model | Unified federal security framework |
| Coverage area | 11 US host cities |
| Key challenges | Staffing shortages and jurisdictional complexity |
| Technical focus | Counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) |
The Reuters news agency reported that the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Justice, and the Pentagon did not immediately respond when asked for comment.
The call for increased military involvement in domestic security planning came shortly before a shooting incident involving gunfire at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, an event which has contributed to renewed attention on security preparations for the upcoming tournament.
Following the incident, the White House stated that World Cup matches would proceed safely despite the shooting. White House Press Secretary Davis Ingle said in a statement that President Donald Trump was determined to ensure the tournament would not only offer an excellent experience for spectators, but also be conducted as one of the most secure and well-protected sporting events in history.