UK police will deploy only three officers to accompany England fans at the 2026 World Cup in the United States after American authorities declined to fund the mobile delegation. This will result in 37 fewer spotters than at the 2024 Euros in Germany, where the host country covered costs and enabled a larger deployment of 40 officers. More than 10,000 England fans have bought tickets for each group match in Dallas, Boston, and New Jersey, despite criticism of ticket and travel prices. Chief Constable Mark Roberts said additional officers would reduce risk and improve coverage, but limited staffing restricts monitoring and reception of fans. The White House World Cup Taskforce was approached for comment.
"“We would like more [officers]”, national football lead Chief Constable Mark Roberts told BBC Sport at a pre-tournament security briefing. “If there was more there we could try and reduce the risk and make it a bit easier for everyone, but it is what it is and we'll clearly do the best we can with the resources we deploy.”"
"“In Germany we sent 40, because that was the ask of the Germans and they funded it. In this case the Americans are not are sold on the idea of the mobile delegations. They're not funding it, so it'll be a smaller deployment.”"
"“We see the benefit of spotters, as I think most of the European countries do, because it gives us the opportunity to have a greater coverage of really good experienced people who will liaise with the supporters and the FA.”"
"“But if we want to monitor fans leaving the city centre and then be there to receive them at the ground, you can't be in two places at once. So it limits our ability to do that.”"
Read at www.bbc.com
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