US cities expand surveillance networks ahead of World Cup and summer events

American cities hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including Kansas City and New York, have been significantly upgrading their surveillance infrastructure in the months before the tournament. Millions of spectators and local residents may be subject to increased monitoring without their full awareness. Washington, DC, which is not a World Cup host city, has also heightened its security measures due to a series of major summer events, including Fourth of July celebrations. The surveillance expansion coincides with the United States marking its 250th anniversary, a milestone drawing large public gatherings across the country. Civil liberties concerns are emerging as federal and local authorities deploy expanded monitoring capabilities at these high-profile events.