The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is on high alert due to the risk that criminal organizations will take advantage of the 2026 Soccer World Cup to increase trafficking of fentanyl into the United States.

The director of the DEA, Terrance C. Cole, warned that the massive arrival of international visitors to the United States during the tournament represents an opportunity that cartels could try to exploit for the transfer of synthetic drugs.

According to the official, criminal organizations “will always seek profit” and could use the flow of people associated with the event to expand their illicit operations.

The 2026 World Cup will be organized jointly by the United States, Mexico and Canada, so American authorities have reinforced surveillance and monitoring mechanisms at strategic entry points into the country.

As part of this strategy, the DEA promotes the initiative called “Fentanyl-free United States”, focused on combating distribution networks and reducing the presence of this synthetic drug in the US market.

Cole also highlighted the collaboration he maintains with Mexican authorities, particularly with the head of the Ministry of Security and Citizen Protection, Omar García Harfuch, with whom he assured there is a constant flow of information exchange.

The agency has indicated on several occasions that Mexican cartels maintain an operational presence throughout the United States and that they continue to be key actors in the supply chains of this drug.

The US authorities plan to maintain special operations and close coordination with national and international security organizations during the World Cup, with the aim of preventing the sporting event from being used for activities related to drug trafficking.