In a new report, Prosegur Security has identified the main physical, digital and operational threats facing the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The World Cup, taking place between 11 June to 19 July, will bring together more than 6.5 million fans across various stadiums in Mexico, US and Canada.
The threats identified in Prosegur’s report require a hybrid approach to comprehensive protection, particularly in light of the growing convergence between physical and technological environments, the company says.
Among the most significant risks, the report highlights the misuse of drones, the management of large crowds, opportunistic crime, scams related to ticket and accommodation sales, sabotage of critical infrastructure, social unrest and the terrorist threat.
As outlined in the analysis, international sporting events concentrate large numbers of people and significant media attention, increasing the likelihood of incidents both in the physical and digital spheres.
The presence of millions of fans, international delegations, technical staff and high‑profile figures makes the World Cup a highly sensitive environment, Prosegur says.
In this regard, areas such as stadium surroundings, city centers, and logistical hubs are particularly vulnerable to both physical and digital incidents.
“Protecting an event of this magnitude requires a truly comprehensive approach, in which technology enhances the work of security professionals and in which anticipation, operational intelligence and inter‑institutional coordination become essential elements to ensure a safe and resilient environment,” said Mauro Cardelino, Prosegur’s Global Director of Business Development and Transformation.
The analysis emphasizes that today’s risks can no longer be understood in isolation.
The interdependence between the physical and digital realms demands a security model capable of anticipating, detecting and responding to threats that manifest simultaneously and in a coordinated manner, Prosegur says.
In this context, the company advocates for a comprehensive protection model known as Hybrid Security, an approach that combines human and technological capabilities to deliver more efficient, predictive and tailored responses to an increasingly dynamic and complex threat landscape.
The report produced by Prosegur Research on the security challenges surrounding the World Cup also identifies cybersecurity as a strategic priority.
The analysis warns that the World Cup will become a high‑value target for criminal actors and organized groups, both due to its global scale and the large volume of users, transactions and digital services involved.
In the digital sphere, the main risks identified in the report include ransomware attacks, digital espionage, threats to the supply chain, exploitation of vulnerabilities in connected devices and hacktivist actions driven by geopolitical motivations.
These are compounded by phishing campaigns, fraud related to tickets, travel and accommodation, attacks on streaming platforms, malware and coordinated disinformation efforts, all of which tend to intensify during events with significant media impact.