Hosting the FIFA World Cup requires extensive planning and coordination, particularly in the area of security. The scale of the tournament, the movement of large numbers of spectators across cities and borders, and the global visibility of the event require host countries to develop robust frameworks to protect crowded spaces and manage a wide range of risks. These challenges become even more complex when the event is jointly hosted, requiring governments and security authorities to align planning processes and coordinate responses across different national systems.
Against this backdrop, representatives from Canada, Mexico and the United States gathered in Washington, D.C., on 4–5 March 2026 for a Peer-to-Peer Trilateral Meeting on Major Event Security, aimed at strengthening cooperation and preparedness for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Hosted at the Headquarters of the Organization of American States (OAS), the meeting took place within the framework of the project Enhancing Regional Preparedness and Resilience Practices for the Protection of Crowded Spaces and Vulnerable Targets, a three-year initiative funded by the Government of Canada and implemented by the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI).
The delegations were composed of representatives from key government and law enforcement institutions in the three co-host countries. Participants included officials from the central governments of Canada, Mexico, the United States and the hosting cities.
Opening the meeting, H.E. Albert Ramdin, Secretary General of the Organization of American States, highlighted the broader significance of the initiative:
“The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be a celebration of sport, but also of partnership, preparedness and the power of multilateralism. With 16 host cities, three sovereign nations and millions of fans crossing borders in a matter of weeks, this tournament represents more than a sporting milestone — it is a test of coordination, trust and multilateral cooperation in action. The security of an event of this magnitude requires extraordinary collaboration. Through our work with Member States, UNICRI and FIFA, the Organization of American States helps mobilize technical expertise, strengthen interoperability and develop shared standards that will not only support this World Cup but also reinforce cooperation across the Americas long after the final match.”
Opening remarks
The meeting opened with remarks from:
- H.E. Albert R. Ramdin, Secretary General, Organization of American States (OAS) H.E. Ambassador Stuart Savage, Permanent Representative of Canada to the OAS
- H.E. Ambassador Leandro Rizzuto, Permanent Representative of the United States to the OAS
- H.E. Ambassador Alejandro Encinas Rodríguez, Permanent Representative of Mexico to the OAS
- Mr. Duccio Mazarese, Project Officer, United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI)
Speakers highlighted the importance of capturing lessons learned and enhancing preparedness for the protection of crowded spaces and vulnerable targets during co-hosted major events.
Strengthening trilateral security coordination
Delegations from Canada, Mexico and the United States presented their national security frameworks for the FIFA World Cup 2026, outlining planning phases, governance structures and interagency coordination mechanisms.
The exchanges highlighted both the opportunities and complexities of co-hosting a major international sporting event. Key issues included aligning planning timelines, improving cross-border information sharing and ensuring system interoperability. Participants also addressed evolving risks ranging from cyber threats and disinformation campaigns to hooliganism and emerging technologies such as drones.
Insights on co-hosting challenges were provided by Mr. Luis Manuel Andre Elias, Chief Superintendent and Commander of the Lisbon Metropolitan Police.
Emerging threats and international cooperation
Experts addressed several security risks relevant to major sporting events, including cybersecurity threats, disinformation and supporter-related violence.
Contributions were delivered by:
- Ms. Mariana Diaz Garcia, UNICRI – Disinformation risks
- Mr. Jaime López, Inter-American Committee against Terrorism (CICTE) – Cybersecurity
- Mr. Franco Berlin, Ministry of National Security of Argentina
The meeting also explored opportunities to deepen technical cooperation among host countries, including information sharing, joint exercises and operational support. Federal Police Commissioner, Felipe Tavares Seixas, Director of International Cooperation at the International Federal Police of Brazil, presented examples of mechanisms supporting international collaboration in major event security.
Coordination with the event organizer was another key topic. Mr. Phil Walker, Head of Risk Analysis, Assessment and Command, Control, Communications and Computers (C4) for the FIFA World Cup 2026, shared insights on operational coordination and communication mechanisms supporting security planning.
The discussions also addressed the longer-term impact of major sporting events. Mr. Massimiliano Montanari, CEO of the International Centre of Sport Security (ICSS), highlighted how co-hosting frameworks can strengthen institutional capacity and promote lasting security standards.
Looking ahead, preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2026 offer a valuable opportunity to develop practical guidance for future co-hosted events. By identifying good practices and operational lessons, the trilateral dialogue contributes to strengthening preparedness for the protection of crowded spaces and vulnerable targets and to advancing cooperation across borders.
“In the words of Duccio Mazarese, UNICRI is deeply grateful to the Organization of American States, the Inter-American Committee against Terrorism, and the Government of Canada for their sustained partnership and support. Together with the authorities and practitioners of Canada, Mexico and the United States, this collaboration demonstrates how trust, shared expertise and long-term cooperation can strengthen security planning for major international events and contribute to safer and more resilient societies. We also wish to express our deep appreciation to H.E. Albert Ramdin, Secretary General of the Organization of American States, for his support and for the longstanding cooperation with UNICRI.”
As Secretary General Albert R. Ramdin noted: “When challenges transcend borders, our solutions must too.”
