As the FIFA World Cup 2026 approaches, set to take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, there is an urgent focus on security measures, particularly in Mexico’s Jalisco state where the competition will be significant. On June 18, during a match between Mexico and South Korea, a hypothetical scenario of a drone attack orchestrated by the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) is addressed by security officials. This incident underscores the serious risks associated with high-profile international events in regions plagued by drug cartel violence.

The FBI is playing a crucial role in enhancing the preparedness of local police forces through a program known as 'Phantom Threat', which includes tactical training aimed at neutralizing potential threats. This initiative reflects an escalating concern over cartel sophistication, as highlighted by the training received from FBI agents who have prior experience engaging with organized crime, exemplified by their operations against figures like 'El Chapo'. Jalisco's Security Secretary, Juan Pablo Hernández González, emphasized the importance of this training in ensuring the safety of the general population during the World Cup festivities.

As drug cartels increasingly adopt advanced weaponry and tactics, the collaboration between U.S. and Mexican law enforcement is critical to mitigating these threats. The efforts encapsulated in the 'Phantom Threat' program aim not just to counter immediate risks but to bolster long-term peace and security in a region that has historically struggled with violence. This training initiative is a proactive step towards safeguarding not only the spectators during the World Cup but also the broader community in which these events will unfold.