Football fans, you are being watched

More than 5 million fans is expected take them to 2026 FIFA World Cup happening this summer in 16 locations across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Expectations are high, not just on the field.

Professionals they have warned which heightened terrorism concerns linked to the war on Iran could be used by the Trump administration to justify the deployment of surveillance technology without adequate safeguards. Also, there are anxiety that US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which has advanced surveillance technology in its equipment – from face recognition to spyware– may enforce immigration during the competition.

Also Human Rights Watch, has encouraged FIFA to find “ICE hope” throughout the event, even the last part of ICE it is unknown.

“Security is often used as an excuse for actions that have nothing to do with security at all—and in the Trump administration, that often means using surveillance systems to facilitate illegal and illegal deportations,” Jay Stanley, senior policy analyst at the American Civil Liberties Union, tells WIRED.

The ACLU led a coalition of more than 120 groups that produced a travel advice to foreign nationals who will participate in the World Cup in the United States, warning, among other things, of “increased scrutiny.” Indeed, the list of surveillance technologies to be used in this competition is extensive, with drone and counter-drone systems expected to play a leading role.

Powerful Technologies he says it struck a “multi-billion dollar” deal with the US Department of Defense to supply its kinetic counter-drone technology to the US’s competitive space. In addition, Sentrycs reported protected several agreements with federal, state, and local agencies to detect and limit drones. Axon’s counter-drone technology will also be mentioned to be sent in other places.

In January, DHS he announced the establishment of a new office specifically dedicated to “acquiring and rapidly deploying drone and drone technologies,” as well as investing $115 million in such resources to help protect the competition and the nation’s centennial celebrations. Federal Emergency Management Agency has given again $250 million for the District of Columbia and 11 host countries through the Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) Assistance Program.

“Many types of C-UAS technology are focused on jamming or jamming radio signals from controlled devices such as cell phones,” said Jake Laperruque, deputy director of the Center for Democracy and Technology’s (CDT) Security and Surveillance Project. He added that “it is important to clearly define what will happen if the phone is collected, and how the government will act if it is collected.”

In response to WIRED’s request for comment, a DHS spokesperson says “federal resources will be deployed with the 11 host cities to ensure security at each game.” The spokesperson added that the organization is “working around the clock with federal, state, local, and international agencies to ensure a safe and secure environment for players, fans, and communities hosting the event.”

AI-driven analysis is also expected to play a major role in the World Cup.

Boston Stadium is release AI-powered facial recognition ahead of the competition, allowing registered fans to enter the stadium and make purchases with their faces. Other World Cup venues that use similar technologies include: Miami Stadiumand Atlanta Stadium.

In addition, two camera dogs with an AI camera will be sent at the International Broadcast Center in Dallas, while the other two will be sent to the New York New Jersey Stadium.

In anticipation of the tournament, Kansas City announced last year he will fly the plane facial recognition on local buses.

“The growth of facial recognition technology in the run-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup shows how the sport is moving around the world to manage everyday life,” said Clara Lilley, head of digital campaigns at Privacy International, which recently published a statement. report on the worldwide deployment of technology in football.