As the FIFA World Cup 2026 descends on the DFW metroplex, over 30 agencies, including the FBI, have ramped up security measures, utilizing drones and a robotic dog.
DALLAS — Residents and visitors will see increased security measures across the DFW metroplex for the FIFA World Cup.
Security is already underway for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the DFW Metroplex, less than two weeks from the first match in Dallas. There’s a robotic dog named Spot patrolling the newly opened International Broadcast Center in downtown Dallas.
The robotic canine doesn’t bark, but it does have eyes in the form of a camera. It’s one of the few ways law enforcement and first responders are using technology for safety and security for the largest sporting event of the year in North Texas.
More than 30 agencies are working together to provide security at fan sites and AT&T Stadium, renamed “Dallas Stadium” for the FIFA matches. These agencies include local police, state agencies, and federal officers from the FBI and DHS.
“You will definitely see a higher presence of officers on the streets,” Dallas Police Chief Daniel C. Comeaux said during a news conference on June 1.
“We’re not going to disclose the specific amount of uniformed officers out there, but I can tell you, it’s going to be larger than what you would expect when you come to Cowboys games at the stadium,” Arlington Police Chief Al Jones chimed in.
There will also be officers who are not in uniform. Comeaux said officers will be working undercover in plain clothing to mitigate drug and human trafficking.
“We know with events like this, human trafficking normally ticks up,” he added.
Beyond the robotic dog Spot provided in partnership between Hyundai, FIFA, and Boston Dynamics, there will be more drones in the sky to assist officers. The FBI said it’s stopping drone use near matches and fan areas with temporary flight restrictions.
“The FBI and our law enforcement partners will not only investigate illegal drone activity, we will work with the United States Attorney’s Offices for the Northern and Eastern districts to support prosecutions,” Joe Rothrock, FBI special agent in charge of the Dallas field office, said.
According to Rothrock, there will be temporary flight restrictions or TFRs in place. The Federal Aviation Administration announced last week that, unless specifically authorized during match days, all aircraft operations, including drones, will be prohibited within a 3 nautical mile radius and up to 3000 ft above ground level around Dallas Stadium.
Drone operations will also be prohibited within a 1 nautical mile radius and up to 1000 ft above ground level at Dallas Fair Park. Additional restrictions will apply for other locations, including team hotels, base camps, and training facilities.
“These TFRs are intended to protect fans, players, and critical infrastructure such as power lines and cell phone towers from accidents and security threats,” Rothrock said.
Health is another concern. In addition to security, first responders will be using drones for heat mitigation.
“The World Cup brings a larger footprint, international visitors, dense crowds, and a fast pace of operations,” Arlington Fire Department Chief Bret Stidham said. “Extreme heat can impact visitors quickly, especially those not accustomed to our Texas summers.”
Stidham continued, “Building on what we learned during the 2024 MLB All-Star Game, we’re working closely with partners to ensure hydration messaging, cooling areas, EMS staffing, medical surge planning, and real-time environmental monitoring are all in place.”
With nine matches, the DFW metroplex hosts more games than any other host city in North America. Police leaders said that will not stop them from responding to other emergencies.
“If you’re speeding, running red lights, stop signs, we will be enforcing that because that’s going to be part of keeping everyone safe here,” Comeaux said.
“I really want to drive this point home. If you need help, and you call 911 during the World Cup, Arlington police officers will be available to respond,” Jones added.