U.S. Moves to Fortify Drone Defenses Ahead of 2026 World Cup Amid Policy Gaps

As the United States prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the federal government is intensifying efforts to bolster aerial security, with plans to invest roughly 500 million dollars into counter-drone systems. However, emerging legislative and operational challenges, particularly the expiration of key counter-UAS authorities due to the ongoing government shutdown, underscore vulnerabilities in the nation’s ability to protect critical infrastructure and major events.

Federal Investment in Drone Defenses

According to an interview published by Politico with Andrew Giuliani, director of the White House’s 2026 World Cup task force, the administration intends to allocate $500 million toward drone detection and mitigation during the tournament. Giuliani told Politico that these funds will be made available to all 50 states, with priority for stadium venues hosting the 104 World Cup matches. He explained that “everyone from governors to stadium chief security officers” has called for stronger drone defenses at World Cup sites.

Under the proposal described in the Politico report, state and local law enforcement agencies could be temporarily authorized—under federal oversight—to detect, jam, or order unauthorized drones to return to their launch point. Currently, only federal agencies are legally permitted to intercept or neutralize drones in U.S. airspace. Politico notes that the administration may grant temporary emergency powers if Congress fails to expand those authorities.

Sebastian Gorka, senior director for counterterrorism at the National Security Council, told Politico that the initiative reflects the dual nature of drone technology, stating that “they have amazing potential for both good and ill” and must be managed accordingly.

The drone security program forms part of a broader White House initiative to strengthen U.S. airspace sovereignty. In June 2025, the president signed an executive order calling for tighter regulation and coordination among agencies such as the FAA and the Department of Homeland Security to address the growing complexity of drone operations.

Infrastructure Protection and Policy Gaps

While the World Cup provides a visible case for counter-drone deployment, the broader need to protect power grids, airports, and transportation systems remains constant. Unmanned aircraft can be used for espionage, disruption, or sabotage, and experts continue to warn that both private and public operators must adapt faster to these evolving risks.

That task has become harder as counter-UAS authorities expired at the end of September 2025 when Congress failed to renew them during the government shutdown. The lapse means that the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security currently lack clear authority to disable or mitigate unauthorized drone threats near airports, military installations, and major events. Detection capabilities remain in place, but proactive mitigation is restricted. Law enforcement and critical infrastructure operators have expressed concern that this gap could invite more reckless or malicious drone activity at a time of rising threat levels.

Industry observers describe the lapse as a “gap in the fabric” of national security, emphasizing that adversaries could exploit the void. The situation highlights the need for long-term policy solutions rather than temporary extensions.

Congressional Proposals and Local Involvement

Congress is already considering legislative measures to restore and expand these authorities. A bill known as H.R. 5061 would reauthorize the Department of Homeland Security’s counter-UAS authority and create a pilot program allowing state and local law enforcement to participate in mitigation under federal supervision. The legislation also calls for training requirements, privacy protections, and standardized equipment approval processes.

If approved, it would mark the first time state and local agencies could be directly integrated into national counter-drone operations, a significant development ahead of both the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games. Still, the bill’s passage remains uncertain in a divided Congress.

Private-sector and national security experts have repeatedly testified that U.S. counter-drone policy lags behind global advances in unmanned systems. Foreign adversaries continue to refine drone swarming and electronic warfare tactics, while U.S. agencies remain constrained by narrow legal authority and limited coordination across departments.

Balancing Risk and Readiness

Deploying counter-UAS systems on the scale required for the World Cup involves operational and ethical trade-offs. Detection systems may rely on radar, radio frequency monitoring, acoustic sensors, or optical and infrared cameras. Mitigation can include signal jamming, command takeover, or physical interception, each with potential for unintended consequences. Effective implementation will require clear command authority, rigorous operator training, and coordination between federal and local agencies.

Beyond event-based operations, analysts argue that the U.S. must move toward a more permanent security posture that protects infrastructure continuously, rather than relying on temporary authorities or isolated deployments. The expiration of counter-UAS authority demonstrates the fragility of the current system and the urgency of policy reform.

The Road Ahead

For the drone and counter-drone industries, the coming months will be critical. The administration’s 500 million dollar initiative could accelerate new system deployments and foster collaboration between government and industry. However, without restored legal authority, operational uncertainty will persist. As drone technology continues to evolve, ensuring that national policy keeps pace will be essential for both public safety and industry innovation.

Read more:

• Surge in cUAS Procurement Highlights Heightened Focus on Airspace Awareness in Europe, Middle East
• Counter-UAS Authority Expires Amid Government Shutdown
• Police Agencies Push Congress for Counter-Drone Powers