Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin has hailed the huge security operation surrounding the World Cup, and the cooperation between federal and local law enforcement as "amazing."In an exclusive interview with Fox News Chief Correspondent Jonathan Hunt, Mullin said he won’t get a good night’s sleep until July 20, the day after the World Cup Final, but speaking at the Seattle Stadium, Mullin said he’s delighted the security operation is running smoothly even in blue cities like Seattle and Los Angeles.And he hopes leaders in those cities might learn from that.WATCH THE WORLD CUP FINAL ON FOX ONEUnited States fans react during the march to the match before the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between the United States and Belgium in Seattle, Monday, July 6, 2026.
(Eric Hiller / AP)"We may disagree on a lot of stuff when it comes to immigration and maybe some other issues," the secretary said, "but when it comes to protecting the fans and the fans’ experience here, in LA or in other areas around the country we've all really worked together and I hope we can carry that on between the state, federal and local partnerships.We can do a good job for our cities when we work together."Millions of soccer fans from around the world are experiencing the U.S.
for the first time and many, given the media coverage of the Trump administration in their home countries, appeared to expect a high-profile militarized security operation.But that is not what they’ve found.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMFans react before the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between the United States and Belgium in Seattle, Monday, July 6, 2026.
(Maddy Grassy / AP)Much of the work is being done undercover or in the background, a very deliberate choice, Mullin said."We want people to enjoy their time," he added."We don't want to feel like they're walking through a war zone, but we want to let everybody know we're also working very hard to secure ...