Preparing for the World Stage This summer, millions of fans from around the globe will pour into stadiums, transit hubs, and entertainment districts across the nation to experience the thrill of the FIFA World Cup 2026™. Between hosting matches, team base camps, Fan Fests, and training centers, more than 20 states are supporting the World Cup in some capacity–nearly half the nation. An enormous amount of behind-the-scenes coordination is underway to ensure fans, families, and athletes have a safe, seamless, and unforgettable experience. In fact, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has designated all 78 matches with Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) Level 1 and 2, underscoring the significance of the event. This is a 240% increase of similarly rated events compared to an average year. As part of the coordinated DHS-wide preparations, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has been working with partners in the government at all levels and private sector, as well as with states and host cities to strengthen preparedness, sharpen communication, and make sure communities are ready. A Host City Getting Ready for the Global Stage CISA’s collaboration with the city of Seattle is just one standout example of how CISA is working with host cities to help ensure all participants can celebrate safely. Through immersive, scenario driven exercises at Lumen Field, and in coordination with the region’s transit system, CISA helped local partners stress test plans, strengthen coordination and operational readiness, and build confidence that fans can enjoy a secure experience while they focus on the game. These collaborative efforts also provided valuable feedback and lessons learned for the stakeholders involved, enabling ongoing improvements to security strategies for future events. Inside the Lumen Field Full Scale Exercise A full-scale exercise is a major production, designed to provide a simulated crisis response experience. More