The 2026 FIFA World Cup is poised to be the largest sporting event in history, and the Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) is playing a leading role in helping state and local emergency responders protect soccer fans and venues from nefarious drones. In our latest blog, Alice Hong, Director of S&T’s National Urban Security Technology Laboratory (NUSTL), shares how agencies can use NUSTL’s new counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) purchasing tool to make informed technology acquisitions.
In just a few short months, soccer will take center stage in North America. FIFA World Cup matches will be played in 16 cities across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. The tournament is estimated to draw a global viewership of around 6 billion people. As fans focus on cheering for their favorite teams, some who wish to do harm will unfortunately seek to target the high-visibility events for maximum impact.
S&T has an established and multifaceted C-UAS program, collaborating with both public and private sector partners to ensure readiness for the upcoming festivities. At NUSTL, we are actively supporting these efforts by working closely with state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) officials, as well as other federal agencies and stadium operators, to ensure a safe and secure series of events.
One key initiative supporting these efforts is our new C-UAS purchasing tool. Through the C-UAS Grant Program, FEMA has already awarded $250 million to 11 FIFA World Cup 2026 host states and the National Capital Region, with another $250 million available to all states and territories in FY 2027. The law enforcement agencies receiving these grants have a wide range of C-UAS knowledge and experience—from those who are just becoming familiar with these capabilities to those who have been operating drone detection equipment for years. Given this diversity, and the high stakes of securing the World Cup, it is essential that agencies are equipped with guidance and tools to select the most effective tools for their needs.
Detection, tracking, identification, and mitigation (DTIM) of unauthorized or hostile drones can vary greatly in effectiveness depending on the environment. A radar system that performs well on the southern border, for example, may struggle in a dense urban environment where high radio frequency (RF) interference and urban canyons present unique challenges. NUSTL’s C-UAS purchasing tool addresses these complexities by enabling data-driven, vendor-agnostic selections to purchase systems.
Individuals and agencies responsible for C-UAS purchasing and acquisition can use the tool’s scorecard to make weighted “apples to apples” comparisons of the different C-UAS options. The tool is user-friendly and does not require engineering expertise. Users can simply enter their agency’s specific requirements (performance, infrastructure, interoperability, cost, etc.) to assess the best options for their needs. Beyond serving as a checklist, the tool enables querying to vendors about specific capabilities and limitations of their products. The built-in vendor questions help users cut through the marketing jargon to obtain clear and relevant information.
By developing and providing access to this tool, NUSTL has empowered those responsible for drone DTIM capabilities to refine their security criteria, better understand the product landscape, and compare thoroughly vetted C-UAS solutions. This enables them to make informed purchasing decisions with greater confidence and insight.
But equipment alone isn’t enough. Technology is only one part of the equation. Effective C-UAS operations rely on strong interagency collaboration and partnerships. As we prepare for major global events like the World Cup, government agencies and private sector partners will all bring their own C-UAS systems to the table, making coordination essential. Without it, systems can interfere with each other and leave critical gaps in coverage. To prevent this, NUSTL is working closely with partners in each host city to conduct line-of-sight analyses, RF surveys, and site-specific planning.
NUSTL is the only federal laboratory solely dedicated to providing direct support to the first responder community. We are a FREE resource for SLTT agencies, and we developed this tool to help identify the best solutions available for each locality’s current needs. Beyond equipment selection, our lab is also available to provide technical expertise and guidance on C-UAS deployment.
The original announcement can be found here.
