Three countries and 16 cities are slated to host the 23rd FIFA World Cup this June. The event, which will be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, is expected to bring in more than 5 million fans from around the world, including an estimated 50,000 journalists.

Large crowds and global security threats like cyber, drone, or mass-casualty attacks pose risks to reporters and fans at all locations. In the US, travel bans and increased ICE activity should also be considered. If you are a journalist or media professional covering the 2026 FIFA World Cup, there are ways to ensure your safety as you travel through the event’s host cities.

Proton has assembled a guide to assist journalists navigate the World Cup safely. The tips below can help protect journalists and media against security threats while reporting from the ground at the World Cup.

Reporting from the United States

11 cities in the United States are hosting FIFA World Cup games in 2026, including Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Seattle.

According to The Athletic, the Federal Emergency Management Agency granted $625 million in security funding toward those 11 US cities for operational exercises, staff background checks, and cybersecurity defense.

Travel restrictions and border crossings

Given the location, size, and scope of the World Cup, journalists traveling from outside the US should consider the risks when entering the country. In 2025, the Trump Administration announced a travel ban for citizens of Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Republic of Congo, Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. There are partial restrictions for residents of Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.

According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, border agents in the US “maintain broad discretionary authority to implement travel restrictions.” Additionally, “increased vetting, inconsistent enforcement, and sudden policy changes suggest an unpredictable environment,” in which traveling journalists should prepare.

Media personnel can anticipate being questioned at the border by Customs and Border Protection (CBP), especially if journalists represent a country on the travel ban list or have a history of covering politically sensitive issues. Journalists with dual citizenship from a country on the travel ban list should use the passport of their nation that does not appear on the banned list.

Protecting your devices and data

Precautions should be taken to encrypt or back up sensitive or personal information on electronic devices, as CBP does not need a warrant or probable cause to search your person or electronics. To protect your personal data and ensure it isn’t copied or stored by CBP, journalists should:

  • Use strong passwords and store them in a password manager like Proton Pass.
  • Use an end-to-end encrypted email service like Proton Mail so messages can’t be surveilled.
  • Employ email aliases so your personal or work email isn’t exposed.
  • Enable two-factor authentication so CBP can’t access your accounts.
  • Back up sensitive information on a cloud storage service like Proton Drive, so privileged documents don’t live on your phone or electronic devices.
  • Make social media accounts private and/or delete any apps that may be subject to search.

Legal resources for journalists

If a legal concern should arise during your coverage of the FIFA World Cup, journalists can call the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press legal hotline at 1-800-336-4243. 

Media members can also text CPJ’s chatbot for assistance using the number 1-206-590-6191 or email the committee at [email protected].

If you are denied entry into the country or into the World Cup, are facing detention or arrest, have been assaulted, or had equipment damaged, you can file a report using the U.S. Press Freedom Tracker(nova janela).

General safety tips for all host cities

Whether reporting from the United States, Mexico, or Canada, you should familiarize yourself with the country’s local laws. Before heading to your destination, research the location and have an exit strategy should an emergency arise.

Have an emergency contact on standby, work in pairs whenever possible, and designate meet-up locations ahead of time should cell service or Wi-Fi go down. Identify exits, medical tents, rideshare drop off and pickup locations and media areas before arrival.

Proton for journalists and newsrooms

To counter unprecedented threats toward journalists, Proton offers discounts on Proton for Business to news media. Protect your emails, contacts, documents, sources, and other sensitive data with end-to-end encryption, so your team can work safely no matter where they are.

Proton has been committed to press freedom for more than 10 years. Learn more about how Proton protects journalists and get Proton for your newsroom today.