Learn how security teams for the upcoming international soccer tournament are using advanced drone and IP-video solutions from LiveU to improve coordination, boost response times, and strengthen public safety across venues in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
The upcoming international soccer tournament marks a milestone not only for being the first hosted jointly by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, but also for its unprecedented scale. With 48 teams competing in 104 matches over six weeks, the event presents major challenges in logistics and security.
As cities across North America prepare for an influx of millions of fans, ensuring safety becomes a top priority. With expanded stadium capacities, some venues are expected to host over 70,000 attendees, highlighting the importance of detailed safety planning.
Global tournaments of this size involve complex coordination, particularly across international borders. Security efforts must address not only logistical and operational planning, but also the risk posed by high-profile visitors such as political figures and celebrities.
These conditions increase the need for heightened awareness, especially as local businesses and venues may be considered targets. Ensuring crowd control, managing fan separation, and navigating differing policing strategies across nations adds to the complexity.
Maintaining safety will require extensive preparation, international coordination, and the strategic use of advanced technology. For more than a year, organizers have collaborated with government bodies and security experts throughout North America. Much of the framework has drawn inspiration from the UK Home Office, which has established widely respected event security standards used in past international tournaments.
Kevin Cresswell, a seasoned security professional with deep experience across law enforcement, military, and government sectors, emphasizes the importance of these preparations, “With 16 host cities, including major hubs like Seattle and East Rutherford, New Jersey, the influx of fans, VIPs, and teams will be unlike anything North America has seen before. The key to managing this safely? Using advanced technologies such as those offered by LiveU. “
LiveU plays a central role in this operational structure. Modeled on the UK’s National Football Information Point (NFIP), LiveU’s Situational Awareness Solution facilitates coordinated communications across various agencies and locations. The system transmits live video from drones, mobile units, and fixed cameras directly to centralized command stations. This capability enhances decision-making by giving responders immediate access to visual data from multiple sources in real time.
What makes LiveU’s approach effective is its compatibility with a range of essential safety tools. Integration with drones allows security teams to monitor large crowds and key areas from above, providing a real-time aerial overview of the environment. These first-response drones improve situational awareness and enable faster, more informed reactions to incidents.
On the ground, LiveU supports teams responsible for gathering incident evidence, enabling them to capture and relay footage as events unfold. The technology also contributes to weapons detection systems at entry gates, supporting faster and safer admission of fans into stadiums.
The core of this system includes the LU-REQON1, LiveU’s compact encoder designed specifically for public safety. This unit integrates seamlessly with both unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS), ensuring compatibility with a variety of aerial monitoring tools.
Beyond this tournament, the infrastructure developed using LiveU’s technology offers long-term benefits for other large-scale gatherings. Whether it’s a major concert, political event, or city celebration, the ability to deploy flexible and dependable safety systems remains critical. LiveU provides a scalable solution that adapts to different scenarios, helping maintain safety while preserving the experience for attendees.
Looking to the future, tools like those developed by LiveU is expected be key to securing high-profile events in 2026 and beyond. For municipalities worldwide, these systems provide a tested and reliable approach to handling the evolving demands of public safety at scale.
More information on LiveU’s technology for event security >>
