This as-told-to account comes from Dan Silva, Allied Universal SoCal K-9 operations supervisor, who directs handlers protecting the World Cup. The piece has been shortened and clarified.

I began in the Air Force during the early 1990s as a police officer and K-9 handler. After roughly eight years I moved into civilian law enforcement and later joined Allied Universal, a private security firm that operates more than 800 explosive-detection dogs across the United States and over 1,000 worldwide. I served as a handler before advancing to SoCal K-9 Operations Supervisor and have now been with the company for about ten years.

I manage daily operations for all 52 handlers from Los Angeles to San Diego. I also keep my own dog ready for sites that require extra support.

My partner is Fitz, a seven-year-old black Labrador trained for explosive detection. He has worked the job since age two and carries himself with calm confidence until it is time to search; then he becomes alert and eager.

Months of planning prepare K-9 teams for World Cup duties

Our assignment covers far more than a single stadium. We protect every team hotel, every practice field, SoFi Stadium and additional locations across Southern California. Roughly twenty K-9 teams will rotate among these sites.

An event of this size demands months of quiet preparation. Discussions about World Cup operations began nearly a year ago because we supported earlier FIFA events. Concrete planning, site walkthroughs, scheduling and deployment details have occupied the last three months.

Each location presents unique risks, so we coordinate closely with local police. High-profile sites, such as the United States team practice area, draw large crowds and require stronger coverage, yet every venue receives equal attention.

Trust and daily repetition build an effective K-9 team

Handlers arrive early at their posts so the dogs can adjust. Teams first conduct thorough sweeps of each facility. Once cleared, they take visible positions that discourage threats. They also answer calls about unattended packages, vehicle checks or other concerns.

Dogs train every day, whether on shift or off. These animals are single-purpose and focus solely on explosives. At our Connecticut center, trainers introduce each new odor one at a time and do not advance until the dog shows mastery. Once paired with a handler the team practices daily hide-and-seek drills with training aids to keep motivation high.

Handlers must read their dogs closely for any change of behavior. A dog may not always sit; subtle shifts in posture or focus can indicate interest. When that occurs the team investigates.

Success means no incidents occur during the World Cup

The dogs perform remarkable work. One team at a Los Angeles movie premiere detected a single bullet carried by a person in the will-call line.

Fans should appreciate the training and commitment involved. Handlers devote long hours, and the dogs provide value even when no explosives are present. The role rarely brings public praise because success is measured by events that never happen.

Prevention remains the top priority. For explosive-detection teams, victory is defined by locating threats, stopping incidents and deterring danger before it develops. Completing the World Cup without injury or attack would mark a clear win.