Hosting global events: Lessons in security, collaboration and innovation

As the U.S. prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, our country is presented with an extraordinary opportunity — and an equally significant challenge. 

The recent Super Bowl showcased the immense security coordination required for a single major event, but the scale of the World Cup will amplify those demands exponentially. For the first time in history, the World Cup will span three countries across 3.5 weeks, with 11 U.S. cities expecting over 5 million international visitors.

These events will test the nation’s security, infrastructure and ability to coordinate across federal, state and local levels like never before. How we rise to this challenge will set benchmarks for global event management and raise the bar for safety, resilience and interagency collaboration around the world.

Navigate the Complexities of Coordination

Global events of this magnitude require unparalleled logistical coordination, with the movement of teams, fans and dignitaries across multiple cities adding another layer of complexity. The U.S. will need to synchronize efforts across dozens of agencies and international partners, including the Department of State, the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, as well as local law enforcement and emergency services, to name a few.

Ensuring safety and efficiency while also educating about cultural differences between organizations, will demand meticulous planning and agile execution. Incidents of crowd control, public safety threats and transportation bottlenecks are not hypothetical — they are historical lessons. From traffic congestion to unforeseen health crises, the risks are multifaceted, and without scalable systems and cross-agency collaboration, these risks could jeopardize the events and public confidence.

Establishing clear data-sharing protocols and interagency cooperation is critical. Agencies must define roles, align communication methods and complete preparedness exercises to anticipate potential crises. These events also offer a unique opportunity to build stronger relationships across agencies that may not typically work together, paving the way for technology-driven solutions that facilitate communication, data sharing, and coordinated responses in real-time scenarios. 

By forming these bonds now, stakeholders can build the muscle memory needed to respond effectively. Lessons from recent global events, like the Paris Olympics’ opening ceremony security protocols, demonstrate that years of preparation and relationship-building are essential for smooth operations. 

Leverage Technology to Predict, Adapt and Respond

A critical component for security of this magnitude is the development of a common operating picture, which aggregates data from multiple sources into a single, unified view. This enables decision-makers to maintain situational awareness and coordinate efforts effectively. This centralized approach minimizes information silos, enabling rapid, well-informed responses to both anticipated and unforeseen events.

Technology plays a crucial role in enhancing coordination, enabling faster communication and improving decision-making during major events. Integrated command-and-control platforms further streamline operations by allowing agencies to manage resources with precision. For example, TAK/Sit(x) is a geospatial mapping and communication system used by first responders to track personnel, share mission data and enhance coordination. Equipped with tools such as computer vision and geolocation tracking, these platforms help responders quickly locate and address emergent situations.

Cutting-edge solutions, such as counter-unmanned aircraft systems technologies like Hidden Level’s Airspace Monitoring Service, are also essential for maintaining situational awareness. These systems create invisible perimeters around critical areas. This capability reduces potential disruptions from aerial threats, which have been known to obstruct disaster responses and public events.

The real-time data integration and awareness that these technologies provide ensures that agencies can collaborate seamlessly, even under high-pressure conditions.

Anticipate Non-Security Disruptions

Disruptions aren’t limited to malicious threats. Natural disasters such as wildfires, severe storms, or floods can severely impact event infrastructure and logistics. Recent wildfires near Los Angeles have highlighted how quickly critical infrastructure can be compromised without warning. For global events like the World Cup and the Olympics, such incidents could restrict access to venues, delay transportation and overwhelm local healthcare services.

To mitigate these risks, planners must adopt a resilience-focused approach. Hospitals near event sites should prepare for increased demand by stockpiling critical medical supplies, including rare blood types. Emergency services need contingency plans that account for transportation disruptions, ensuring both event attendees and local residents can receive timely assistance in case of emergency, as well as ongoing care.

Infrastructure resilience also includes ensuring backup power, robust communication networks and flexible transportation routes. By preparing for these potential crises, event organizers can minimize delays, protect critical resources, and maintain public confidence even under challenging circumstances.

A Moment of Pride and Responsibility

Hosting the World Cup and the Olympics is a privilege that allows the U.S. to demonstrate leadership in global collaboration. These events are more than sporting events — they inspire innovation, strengthen partnerships and showcase the best of human cooperation. The world will be watching how well we manage the complexities of these gatherings, from security protocols to hospitality.

With millions of visitors to protect, the responsibility is great — but so is the opportunity to redefine collaboration between governments and industries. Public-private partnerships can play a crucial role in developing innovative solutions that extend beyond the events themselves and address broader infrastructure and security challenges.

By embracing this responsibility with foresight and determination, the U.S. can set a new global standard for managing large-scale events. This legacy will not only ensure the success of the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics but will also leave a lasting impact on how we approach national security, economic resilience and interagency collaboration in the future. 

Amit Kohli is a vice president and Todd Kline is a director in Booz Allen’s Law Enforcement and Immigration portfolio. Booz Allen is an advanced technology company delivering outcomes with speed for America’s most critical defense, civil, and national security priorities.