Securing the 2026 FIFA World Cup: An Intel Playbook for the Biggest Event in Sports History

In this (very timely) episode of NeedleStack, host AJ Nash and guest Kevin Uniacke from Seerist discuss securing the 2026 FIFA World Cup across the US, Canada, and Mexico.

They explore how intelligence professionals break down massive security challenges across multiple countries, the differences in threat environments between venues, and why organized crime is actually more predictable than random threats. Kevin shares insights on the intelligence cycle, stakeholder requirements, and how to deliver actionable intelligence products. The conversation covers travel safety for attendees, the role of AI in open-source intelligence, and practical preparation tips including site surveys and emergency planning.

They also discuss why transparency in intelligence sources matters and the importance of expert analysis over social media rumors.