Montgomery County emergency officials returned from a two-week security exercise in Qatar as Houston accelerates preparations for hosting seven matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Montgomery County officials are enhancing their security strategies for the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a two-week emergency response drill in Qatar, where U.S. teams collaborated with international partners to address potential large-scale threats.
Earlier this month, participants from the Montgomery County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management and the county Fire Marshal’s Office took part in the Watan Exercise 2025. The annual nationwide drill, as outlined by Qatar’s Ministry of Interior, is a collaborative effort between the military and civilian sectors to evaluate preparedness for various crises, including terrorism and industrial disasters.
The 2025 exercise focused on preparing for significant global occurrences, including the 2026 World Cup. Houston is set to welcome seven matches, featuring five group-stage contests. The tournament kicks off on June 11, with Houston's inaugural game scheduled for June 14.
County Judge Mark Keough announced that the U.S. State Department invited officials from Montgomery County to participate in the drills held in Doha. He stated that the training enabled Texas teams to assess their abilities in high-stakes situations, such as mass-casualty incidents and stadium threats.
“Throughout the mission, our team engaged in planning sessions, tabletop discussions, and comprehensive exercises,” Keough stated in a social media update on Nov. 21. The delegation took charge in various scenarios, such as a “vehicle-borne explosive attack,” an “industrial fire with chemical release,” a simulated stadium incident, and a structural collapse following a mock natural disaster.
Jason Millsaps, the executive director of the county’s Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, announced that Qatar initiated the Watan exercise series in preparation for its 2022 World Cup. He pointed out that, even though Montgomery County will not host matches, the area can still expect a significant influx of visitors.
“Groups and their supporters are expected to disperse to accommodations, locations to reside, and gather,” Millsaps noted, highlighting The Woodlands and Conroe as probable centers.
Houston has been gearing up for the World Cup for over three years, and local leaders indicate that the planning phase is now entering its final and most intense period. Chris Canetti, president of the Houston World Cup host committee, has expressed that organizers are sensing a fierce wave of excitement surrounding the event.
“There’s a palpable sense of excitement as we move closer to the event,” he stated. “The atmosphere is intensifying, and the stakes are likely rising too, but so is the thrill of the moment.”
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