As the 2026 World Cup approaches, US security officials are ramping up preparations to ensure safety during the tournament, particularly with the inclusion of matches involving Iran. The tournament will feature 104 matches across 16 cities in North America, and the presence of Iran's team, which will play two games in Los Angeles, adds a layer of complexity to security operations. A task force has been established to coordinate efforts among federal agencies, local police, and private security groups, focusing on stadium security, fan zones, and team escorts. Andrew Giuliani, executive director of Donald Trump’s World Cup task force, likened the event to '78 Super Bowls over 39 days.' Enhanced security measures will include drone defenses, robot dogs for bag inspections, and thousands of AI-powered cameras. While there are currently no credible threats, preparations are influenced by ongoing geopolitical tensions involving the US, Israel, and Iran. Iran's team has faced logistical challenges, including visa delays and a change in their training base from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico, to facilitate their travel for matches in Los Angeles and Seattle. The first week of the tournament is expected to carry significant off-field concerns alongside the sporting events.