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Officials emphasize security coordination for World Cup at 500-day event

2159060 ยท January 28, 2025

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Summary

Harris County and host-committee officials said security is a top priority, noting a dedicated security lead and coordination among local, state and federal agencies to assess threats and respond quickly.

Harris County officials and the FIFA World Cup 26 Houston Host Committee told reporters the committee is prioritizing safety and security as Houston prepares to host seven matches in 2026.

Adrian Garcia, Harris County commissioner for Precinct 2, said security is "always top of mind" and thanked host-committee leaders for placing security at the forefront of planning. He said the committee has a security lead who is a former Houston Police Department SWAT commander and that threat assessment and coordination with city, county, state and federal partners is underway.

"Security is always top of mind for me," Garcia said, noting recent violent incidents nationally as reasons to focus resources and planning. He said the host committee has been given "full confidence" that resources are being applied to assess threats and coordinate responses.

Chris Kanetti, president of the host committee, listed safety and security among the many work streams the committee is managing with FIFA and local partners, including HPD, the Houston Fire Department and the Office of Emergency Management.

Kanetti and Garcia said joint planning involves threat assessment and coordination across jurisdictions but did not provide operational details, specific security staffing levels, or budgets. They emphasized that those operational details are being developed with law enforcement and emergency-management partners.

Commissioner Rodney Ellis, Precinct 1, and other elected officials also said they support efforts to ensure residents and visitors feel safe during the tournament. The host committee said collaboration among public agencies, venue operators and private partners is a continuing focus as planning advances.

The committee did not disclose specific security protocols, contracts, or whether federal agencies had assigned personnel or funding to the event; those items were not specified in comments during the event.