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By Jordan King and Joshua Rhett Miller
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The Islamic State group has called for "lone jihadists" to use the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States as an opportunity to carry out violence.
ISIS called the World Cup a "pagan occasion" held in "the heart of Crusader America and its sisters," according to a translation of an editorial published in the group's Al-Naba weekly newspaper.
It added that the soccer tournament was a "golden opportunity" to launch attacks, and that the gatherings, roads and stadiums were full of targets. "Do not let the opportunity pass you by … for this is the true championship," it said.
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Up to 7 million international visitors are expected to travel to the United States for the tournament, according to the U.S. State Department.
Authorities have mounted a vast, multiagency security operation, including tighter screening, aerial defenses and increased police deployments across host cities.
The FBI told Newsweek, "We are working closely with our law enforcement partners to assess and respond to any threats related to FIFA World Cup 2026."
"The safety of fans, athletes, officials, and the communities hosting this tournament is our highest priority," it said, adding that anyone with information about potential threats should get in touch.
The Department of Homeland Security also said it is in regular contact with host city authorities to monitor potential threats and help ensure a secure tournament.
Newsweek contacted the State Department and FIFA for comment via email outside normal working hours.
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ISIS Issues World Cup Threat
The editorial outlined both an ideological argument and a call to action, telling supporters that "the perceptive believer should train himself to exploit every opportunity … for the support of Islam."
It criticized fans who admired players and teams, arguing that such events distract Muslims from religion and weaken their loyalty. It also said cheering for non-Muslim teams undermined their beliefs.
The article explicitly cast the tournament as a moment for violence, describing it as a "golden opportunity for the lone mujahid" and an "open call" to act.
It encouraged followers to use the event as a propaganda platform, calling it "an active media arena" and urging supporters to "strive for that with all your strength."
The editorial ended with a stark appeal to readers: "Do not let the opportunity pass you by … for this is the true championship."
Security Operations at the World Cup
U.S. officials have rolled out what they describe as an unprecedented security operation for the 2026 tournament, involving multiple agencies and advanced surveillance technology.
Andrew Giuliani, the executive director of President Donald Trump's World Cup task force overseeing security, said earlier this month, "There's never been a summer like this in American history from a security angle."
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has allocated $625 million to the 11 U.S. host cities to support security measures, with a further $250 million set aside for detecting and countering suspicious drones.
More than 400 law enforcement agencies across the United States are working alongside federal authorities and private security firms to protect stadiums, as well as related sites—including team bases and hotels—according to ESPN.
Robot dogs, AI tools and drone-detection technology are being deployed to monitor and respond to potential threats.
The FBI and the Department of Homeland Security have also encouraged people to come forward with any threats they may be aware of.
"DHS has been in consistent and regular communication with our World Cup host city law enforcement partners on all potential terrorist threats to World Cup stadiums," a spokesperson told Newsweek. "These valued relationships are ensuring a safe and secure World Cup experience for everyone attending the matches."
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