Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin announced on Monday, July 20, 2026, that federal authorities are "actively pursuing" an investigation into a threat targeting a World Cup fan fest event in the United States. Mullin described the threat as "intimate" and credited federal and local partnerships for stopping it before it could escalate into a major incident.

While Mullin did not disclose whether the threat was domestic or foreign, nor the exact location, he noted that the threat involved the use of vehicles. He emphasized the importance of coordination with federal partners in preventing the incident.

Throughout the World Cup, the U.S. hosted 78 matches across 11 cities, culminating in the final match held in New Jersey on July 19, 2026. FBI Director Kash Patel characterized the security operation as "probably the biggest lift in FBI history." The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) also seized over 300 drones at events related to the tournament.

Mullin stated during an appearance on Fox News that the investigation is ongoing, clarifying that while the threat itself is no longer active, authorities continue to pursue the case.

Sources