DALLAS (KRLD) — Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin warned Thursday that the threat level for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is “extremely high” as Dallas-Fort Worth prepares to host nine matches and major fan events this summer.
Mullin made the statement during a Fox Business interview, highlighting particular risks in “soft areas” outside stadiums where large crowds will gather. He cited the recent 76-day Department of Homeland Security shutdown, which delayed federal security funding to host cities and slowed law enforcement training and planning. “That’s put us, because of the shutdown, it’s put us in quite a bind to build, to meet that need,” Mullin said. “Now we’re going to do it, but it definitely has hindered our ability to be as proactive as we would like.”
DFW will host more World Cup matches than any other U.S. venue. Events include a FIFA fan festival at Fair Park in Dallas, the tournament’s international media center at the Dallas Convention Center, team training sites in Frisco and Mansfield, and fan gatherings across metroplex entertainment districts. Special transit hubs will move visitors to and from AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
The 2026 tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, begins in June and is expected to draw millions of fans to North Texas. Security officials note that entertainment venues away from the main stadiums represent softer targets with potentially lower protection levels. Local leaders say the region is drawing on its experience with large-scale events to address the challenges, and federal, state and local agencies continue coordinating to keep fans safe.
No injuries or specific incidents have been reported in connection with the warning. Preparations remain on track despite the acknowledged setbacks from the earlier shutdown.
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DFW will host more World Cup matches than any other U.S. venue.
DFW will host more World Cup matches than any other U.S. venue.
