FBI boss Kash Patel details how agency and partners secured record-shattering FIFA World Cup
FBI Director Kash Patel has given an exclusive interview detailing the scale of the security operation mounted to protect the FIFA World Cup, the first tournament final hosted by the United States in more than three decades. He described the effort as equivalent to policing "78 Super Bowls in 38 days", reflecting the unprecedented commitment of FBI resources and coordination with partner agencies to safeguard matches and fans across the country.
Patel highlighted that the operation included more than 700 drone takedowns as part of efforts to counter potential aerial threats, and said the tournament concluded without any significant criminal attacks. He credited close cooperation between the FBI and its security partners for the outcome, framing it as a major success given the size and profile of the event.
- FBI ran World Cup security likened to "78 Super Bowls in 38 days"
- Agency conducted over 700 drone takedowns during the tournament
- No significant criminal attacks occurred, Patel says