Federal authorities are racing to lock down the 2026 World Cup amid warnings from veteran security experts that Iranian sleeper cells could target the sprawling tournament spanning three countries over 39 days.

Bill Rathburn, who oversaw security at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics and 1996 Atlanta Games, told The Post he is “fairly confident there are Iranian sleeper cells or surrogate sleeper cells” viewing the June-July event as a prime opportunity for attack. The warning follows federal alerts about Iranian “prepositioned sleeper assets” in the US during recent military escalations.

Chris Swecker, the former FBI assistant director who secured the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics, echoed the concern, citing the tournament’s visibility and the convergence of international crowds and hostile actors. “It’s right there front and center” for terrorist organizations, Swecker said, listing threats from Hamas, Hezbollah, Al Qaeda, and ISIS variants alongside “lone wolves” who could be activated.

The security challenge is immense. With 48 teams competing across 11 US host cities and 78 of 104 matches played on American soil, officials say soft targets pose as much risk as stadiums themselves. The first US match kicks off June 12 in Los Angeles, with the final scheduled for MetLife Stadium on July 19.

Congress has appropriated $625 million for the effort, including funding for FBI training on drone-swarm countermeasures and Secret Service oversight as the lead agency. New York and New Jersey alone are investing $17.2 million in counter-drone technology and adding 175 subway police officers.

The precautions reflect hard lessons: a gunman attempted to assassinate President Trump and cabinet officials at the White House Correspondents Dinner last month in what officials believe may have been war-related radicalization.

“President Trump is focused on ensuring that this is not only an incredible experience for all fans and visitors, but also the safest and most secure in history,” a White House spokesman said.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)