World Cup 2026: FBI hails Morocco as trusted security partner for tournament

The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation has praised Morocco for its contribution to security operations at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, highlighting the country’s growing role in international policing and intelligence cooperation.

FBI Co-Deputy Director Christopher Raia made the remarks on Wednesday during a visit to the International Police Cooperation Center (IPCC), where global law enforcement agencies are working together to support tournament safety.

Cooperation at heart of World Cup security system

The IPCC brings together representatives from security and police agencies of participating nations, coordinating efforts to monitor and respond to potential threats across host cities in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

During his visit, Raia met with representatives of Morocco’s General Directorate of National Security and the General Directorate of Territorial Surveillance, known as the DGSN and DGST.

According to a statement from Morocco’s security services, the FBI official thanked Morocco for its contribution to protecting the tournament and acknowledged the work of its delegation throughout the competition stages.

He also recognized the Moroccan delegation’s work throughout the different stages of the competition.

Raia described Morocco as a trusted partner with security experience and credibility recognized internationally.

Intelligence sharing seen as vital to tournament safety

Addressing officials from various countries at the IPCC, Raia stressed the importance of collaboration and intelligence exchange in securing a tournament of such scale.

He thanked them for their contribution to the security system created for the World Cup and spoke about the importance of international cooperation.

The FBI official said the exchange of intelligence between partner countries was necessary to protect supporters, players and host cities.

The IPCC enables participating countries to exchange information quickly and coordinate their responses to potential security threats.

The center also works closely with stadium security teams, fan zones and other key World Cup locations across the three host nations.

Raia also spoke about the scale of the operation, noting the complexity of securing a tournament spread across multiple countries and venues.

The United States is hosting 78 of the World Cup’s 104 matches between June 12 and July 19.

According to the Moroccan security statement, Raia said protecting such a large number of matches would not be possible without close cooperation between national and international agencies.

He added that intelligence provided by partner countries had helped US authorities prevent several threats inside the country.

Morocco’s growing global security profile

Morocco’s participation in the IPCC is part of its wider security cooperation with the United States and other World Cup host nations.

The Moroccan delegation is contributing expertise in intelligence sharing, crowd management and the protection of major sporting events, further strengthening its international reputation in security operations.

The cooperation is also seen as valuable experience for Morocco ahead of its role as a co-host of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.