WMBCTV: North Jersey Ramps Up Security with New Funding Ahead of 2026 World Cup
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
The build-up of security for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is already underway across North Jersey. More than two million dollars has now been designated for the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office to help strengthen public safety efforts tied to the tournament - funding that officials say will go toward new surveillance cameras, anti-vehicle barriers designed to prevent vehicle attacks, explosive detection equipment and specialized law enforcement vehicles. This week, here in East Rutherford, local police are receiving new funding aimed at enhancing communication equipment, including new radio and computer consoles, updated monitors along with improvements to the department's server infrastructure - all in an effort to help first responders share information faster and coordinate during large-scale events.
“This will really mainly go towards our radio system which we really needed to update especially with World Cup coming - FIFA is going to be here - and the radio is always an important tool and if it’s not working, guys are stuck out there, they can’t radio for an ambulance, they can’t get help,” said Captain Mark Mehegan, East Rutherford Police Department. “The front desk area as the brain of the department - if that’s outdated, then we have an issue. If it’s foggy, that doesn’t work well for the police department, it doesn’t work well for the community and the citizens that we’re trying to help.”
In just a few months, the world will be watching North Jersey as World Cup matches get underway at MetLife Stadium - bringing tens of thousands of fans from around the globe. With that kind of international spotlight, officials say improved equipment and strong coordination between agencies will be key.
“We have a lot of meetings with the state police, with the county, the prosecutors and we’re putting together a plan to decide how to handle the flow of people so we will be looking to add additional manpower,” said Captain Mark Mehegan, East Rutherford Police Department. “We will be looking for manpower from other agencies to help us. We all work together in the law-enforcement and we are all here to help each other.”
The 2026 tournament will also be the largest World Cup ever, expanding to 48 national teams and drawing millions of visitors across host cities in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Local leaders say building a security network now - from the stadium itself to surrounding communities - is essential to managing crowds and keeping fans safe during the tournament and local watch parties. And officials say these upgrades won’t just help during the tournament. After the final whistle, officials say the new technology and equipment will remain in place to support emergency response and public safety efforts across the region.
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