safety
Counter-drone teams ready to protect DFW World Cup events, FBI says
By Scott Friedman, Eva Parks and Edward Ayala at NBC DFW
· June 11, 2026
· 4 min read
As North Texas prepares to host 2026 FIFA World Cup events, the FBI insists specialized counter-drone teams are ready to protect restricted airspace around venues across the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin recently described drones as his biggest World Cup securi
Key takeaway Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin recently described drones as his biggest World Cup security concern and said the country has been "a little behind" in protecting against the threat.
Why this matters in The Fort Worth
The FBI's counter-drone measures will be particularly crucial in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, where multiple venues, including those in Fort Worth, will host World Cup events. With the city's own Sundance Square and the Cultural District potentially drawing large crowds, the risk of drone-related disruptions or threats is heightened. The temporary flight restrictions around venues like "Dallas Stadium" in Arlington will also impact local air traffic, underscoring the need for careful planning and coordination between law enforcement agencies, including the Fort Worth Police Department, and federal authorities. As the area prepares to welcome thousands of visitors, the ability of counter-drone teams to quickly detect and respond to potential threats will be essential in maintaining public safety and ensuring a secure experience for fans. The success of these efforts will depend on the effective collaboration between local and federal agencies, as well as the public's awareness of and adherence to the temporary flight restrictions in place.
About this story
Original reporting by NBC DFW . The Fort Worth surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: safety ·
Published: June 11, 2026 ·
Source: NBC DFW ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? As North Texas prepares to host 2026 FIFA World Cup events, the FBI insists specialized counter-drone teams are ready to protect restricted airspace around venues across the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin recently described drones as his biggest World Cup securi
When was this published? This article was first published on June 11, 2026 by NBC DFW and curated for The Fort Worth readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Scott Friedman, Eva Parks and Edward Ayala at NBC DFW. To learn more about how The Fort Worth selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Fort Worth, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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