Security experts have raised concerns over the safety of fans attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup, warning that transportation systems linked to tournament venues in the United States, Mexico and Canada could become targets for acts of sabotage.
According to reports cited by British newspaper The Sun, authorities and security specialists fear extremists and activist groups may attempt to disrupt transport networks during the competition, which is scheduled to run from 11 June to 19 July 2026.
Experts reportedly believe there is a “credible threat” that saboteurs could interfere with railway signalling systems, damage bridges or cut electricity lines in an effort to create disruption during the tournament.
The warnings come as preparations continue for the first World Cup in history to feature 48 national teams, a format expected to attract millions of supporters across North America.
A report issued by the Internet Security Center suggested that environmental anarchists and extremist organisations may seek to exploit ongoing international tensions and conflicts to deliver political messages during the global sporting event.
The report highlighted concerns that transport infrastructure could become a primary target because of the heavy reliance on public transport systems by travelling supporters.
According to The Sun, a British government source said: “the biggest threat to fans heading to the World Cup this year comes from activists and extremists seeking to serve their causes. Experts are not as afraid of traditional terrorist attacks as they are of attempts at disruption and chaos.”
The source added: “this is likely to be done by targeting transportation infrastructure, with millions of fans relying on public transport to get to matches. This could cause significant chaos.”
Security planning is expected to be particularly strict around several venues, including MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, which is due to host major matches during the tournament.
Reports indicate that many supporters attending games at the stadium may be required to travel by train after police reportedly banned pedestrian access to the venue for security reasons. Officials fear that any disruption to railway services in such areas could severely affect fan movement and matchday operations.
The concerns have been heightened by incidents seen at other recent international sporting events.
The opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games was disrupted after railway stations and transport junctions in France were targeted in acts of sabotage. Similar problems were also reported ahead of the Milan 2026 Winter Olympics, where sections of Italy’s railway network were affected.
Security analysts believe those incidents demonstrate how major sporting tournaments can become vulnerable to politically motivated disruption.
The report presented to the British government stated that “recent acts of sabotage demonstrate a credible threat pattern targeting the success of the upcoming World Cup”.
The 2026 tournament is set to take place against a backdrop of growing geopolitical tensions and disputes involving the United States and several countries around the world, factors experts believe could further increase security risks surrounding the event.
Authorities across the three host nations are expected to continue strengthening security measures in the months leading up to the competition, with particular focus on transport systems and infrastructure used by fans travelling to and from stadiums.
