How the FCC Has Been Supporting the FIFA World Cup 2026

Here are just some of the issues that the Federal Communications Commission’s staff have been working on to ensure a safe and successful World Cup:

• Public Safety: The FCC has been preparing for rapid interference detection and response during matches and related events, helping ensure first responders and emergency communications systems operate without disruption.
• National Security: The FCC has been working with federal, state, and local partners to support lawful counter-drone operations consistent with the SAFER SKIES Act and other authorities. To ensure global media coverage can be conducted safely, the FCC has also issued ten Special Temporary Authorizations to date for wireless devices and broadcast operations.
• Wireless Interference: To prepare for and during the games, the FCC has been working to prevent wireless interference problems—and address them when they happen; support communications network capacity to meet the massive, localized demand; and plan for unique communications needs ranging from stadium operations to international media outlets needing temporary broadcasting authorizations.
• Radio Spectrum Requirements: Priority number one for the FCC is to ensure the radio spectrum requirements essential to the World Cup—including broadcast operations, public safety communications, event security, and national security preparations—are fully supported. In preparation, the FCC has deployed a networked constellation of advanced spectrum sensors across all U.S. venues to conduct remote spectrum monitoring and help identify harmful interference.
• Host City Coordination: Partnering with host cities has been a critical piece of preparing for the World Cup, and the FCC has worked closely with cities across the country to conduct advance planning, testing, and coordination activities to prepare for the unprecedented communications demands associated with the tournament.