Several host cities for the 2026 World Cup have warned of potentially ‘catastrophic’ effects if $625 million in security funds aren’t distributed amid a partial government shutdown.
The funds were designated for the 11 American host cities in the Trump administration’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” which was passed in July.
The money is intended to ‘carry out the extensive security activities required to protect players, staff, attendees, venues and critical infrastructure across the host cities, strengthening them against potential terrorist attacks.’
But in a Feb. 24 hearing before the House Committee on Homeland Security, representatives from Miami, Kansas City and New Jersey said that they had not yet received the funds.
With just more than 100 days until the World Cup kicks off, those who testified warned of major consequences should the money not arrive soon.
‘We have to start making some really tough decisions and it starts with our fan festival,’ said Ray Martinez, chief operating officer of the Miami World Cup Host Committee.
‘Without receiving this money, it could be catastrophic for our planning and coordination.
‘The matches up at the stadium will take place, but preparing for all the impromptu events and watch parties that we are expecting to see will be in jeopardy.’
The current government shutdown is limited to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees a number of government agencies including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the agency administering the $625 million in grants.
Rep. Nellie Pou, a New Jersey Democrat whose district includes World Cup final venue MetLife Stadium, warned that her constituents are ‘running out of time’ to prepare for the tournament.
“Congress has appropriated $625 million for the 11 cities hosting World Cup matches, including my district,” said Pou. “With only roughly four months to go, these cities still report they have not received this funding. This is completely unacceptable this close to kickoff.
‘If DHS is going to play a role in this tournament, then DHS needs to be transparent, coordinated, and timely. The World Cup is a global stage. We need to act like we are ready for it. We’re running out of time.”
Kansas City Deputy Police Chief Joseph Mabin echoed the concerns of others who testified.
‘Right now we’re in a critical stage where we need those funds committed and released,’ Mabin said.
He added: ‘The ‘drop dead’ date for this funding is immediate.”