FBI Director Kash Patel said Sunday that the bureau is mobilizing tactical and crisis-response teams for the FIFA World Cup as security preparations accelerate across host cities, including Dallas-Fort Worth.
The FBI is turning to its Critical Incident Response Group, Hostage Rescue Team, SWAT teams, bomb technicians, counter-drone operators, behavioral analysts, crisis intelligence coordinators, crisis management specialists, tactical communicators, and other specialists for the 39-day tournament, Patel said in a post on X.
“Make no mistake: We are prepared for any scenario,” Patel said.
Dallas Gets Ready For Nine Matches
Patel’s post did not mention Dallas by name, but the FBI’s Dallas field office has already issued local warnings tied to World Cup security.
The Dallas-Fort Worth region will host nine World Cup matches at AT&T Stadium in Arlington from June 14 through July 14.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, Dallas-Fort Worth is playing a major role in the tournament, with nine matches, including a semifinal, scheduled for the region.
FBI Points To Drone Threats
FBI Dallas said unsafe or improper drone use could threaten aircraft and people on the ground during the tournament. The agency said the restrictions are intended to protect fans, players, aircraft, and critical infrastructure, including power lines and cell phone towers.
The warning comes as law enforcement agencies prepare for one of the largest international sporting events ever staged in North Texas.
Patel said the FBI has trained and coordinated for months with law enforcement partners.
“We are making the full suite of our tactical and crisis response capabilities available to our law enforcement partners and are providing cross-training on multiple fronts to strengthen the entire team,” Patel said.
Security Buildout Already Visible
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, World Cup security preparations in North Texas have already included Boston Dynamics Spot robots for perimeter security inspections and hazardous-material response.
That earlier DX report also noted that Dallas police received a $51.5 million FEMA grant to support World Cup security operations. The funding included $22 million for personnel costs, $1.3 million for equipment, and $10 million for drone mitigation technology.
Dallas police equipment purchases tied to the tournament included additional cameras, portable anti-ramming barricades, Polaris Ranger vehicles, and police vehicles for tournament operations.
Teams Begin Arriving
World Cup operations are also beginning to move from planning to execution.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, Sweden’s national team arrived in North Texas over the weekend and will use Toyota Stadium in Frisco as its official base camp.
The arrival marked another step in the region’s World Cup buildup as teams, fans, media, and security operations begin converging on Dallas-Fort Worth.
Patel urged the public to report suspicious activity through tips.fbi.gov or by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI.
