The 2026 FIFA World Cup will run from June 11 to July 19, 2026, across 16 host venues in North America, including 11 in the United States. As the world's most prestigious international football tournament, the event will draw unprecedented global attention and significantly increased crowds. This edition expands the field to 48 participating nations, up from 32 in 2022, marking the largest World Cup in history.

Given the scale and visibility of the tournament, U.S. authorities assess an elevated risk environment. The United States continues to face threats from violent extremists motivated by a wide range of ideologies. These individuals and groups?responsible for severe harm and loss of life?have historically targeted major events because of their symbolic significance, large attendance, media exposure, and potential security gaps.

To support early detection and prevention efforts, the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) and the FBI developed a guide outlining 42 behavioral indicators that may signal mobilization toward violence. A companion supplement explains how these indicators can be applied specifically to special events, helping security personnel and partners identify concerning behaviors more effectively.

Click below to view Violent Extremist Mobilization Indicators and Special Events.