FCC Supports Secure Communications for FIFA World Cup

SHARE THIS ARTICLE

As matches start for the FIFA World Cup 2026 across North America, the FCC’s public safety, enforcement, and radio engineering experts have been working with federal, state, and local partners to support a successful World Cup in cities across the country. 

The agency team has been working to support “robust, resilient, and secure communications networks” across the host cities. That includes supporting the efforts of the private sector communications providers.

Major international sporting events bring with them pressures on U.S. communications systems with so many people connected to so many devices, all trying to receive and to transmit information on wireless and broadcast networks. 

Here’s a breakdown of what the Commission is doing to support the World Cup events:   

  • Public Safety: The FCC has been preparing for rapid interference detection and response during matches and related events, helping ensure first responders and emergency communications systems operate without disruption. Its work includes protecting critical wireless operations from interference, supporting the public safety of fans, stadium operations and broadcasting. The FCC is collaborating with federal partners, public safety agencies, wireless providers, broadcasters, and FIFA technology teams to support communications readiness and event security.
  • National Security: The Commission is partnering with federal, state, and local partners to support lawful counter-drone operations. To ensure global media coverage can be conducted safely, the FCC issued 10 Special Temporary Authorizations to date for wireless devices and broadcast operations.
  • Wireless Interference: The FCC has been working to prevent wireless interference problems and address them when they happen. This includes supporting communications network capacity to meet the massive, localized demand and plan for unique communications needs ranging from stadium operations to international media outlets needing temporary broadcasting authorizations. It’s working with industry partners to support high-capacity wireless and 5G connectivity in and around host venues.
  • Radio Spectrum Requirements: The agency deployed a networked constellation of advanced spectrum sensors across all U.S. venues to conduct remote spectrum monitoring and help identify harmful interference. 
  • Host City Coordination: The agency has worked with cities across the country to conduct advance planning, testing, and coordination activities to prepare for the unprecedented communications demands associated with the tournament. It says this effort also lays the groundwork for ensuring a successful 2028 Olympics.