CDP may support World Cup 2026

When the World Cup comes to the U.S., Canada and Mexico in the summer of 2026, participants and spectators alike may have the Center to Domestic Preparedness (CDP) to thank for the safe execution of games played on U.S. soil.  

The U.S. is currently scheduled to host matches at 11 different sites, including Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts; MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey; Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia; Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida; AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas; NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas; Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri; SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California; Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California; and Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington.

Responders in those cities could receive training from the CDP, particularly if the games in those cities are declared National Special Security Events.

The CDP routinely supports states and local jurisdictions, helping them “bridge their capability gaps” as part of their preparation for National Special Security Events, such as presidential inaugurations and the Super Bowl. National Special Security Events draw large crowds and television audiences and are considered by the Department of Homeland Security to be potential targets for terrorism or other criminal activity.

In fact, the CDP is currently providing support to the cities of Washington, D.C.; Chicago, Illinois; and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, as they prepare to host National Special Security Events – a NATO Summit and the 2024 Democratic National Convention and 2024 Republican National Convention, respectively.

The CDP is providing both resident and non-resident training to responders in those cities, including a variety of public order/public safety and healthcare courses.