World Cup Host Cities in Funding Crisis as DHS Shutdown Delays $625 Million Security Aid
Local and national officials raised alarms on Tuesday, warning that the ongoing partial government shutdown in the United States could severely disrupt preparations for the 2026 World Cup, now just over 100 days away. In a hearing before the House committee on homeland security, representatives from Miami, Kansas City, and New Jersey—three key locations hosting a combined 21 matches, including the final—reported that federal funds promised for security have not been released to their agencies.
Funding Shortfall Threatens Tournament Events
Last July, lawmakers pledged $625 million in federal assistance for World Cup security through the Trump administration's policy bill. However, with the shutdown limited to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), agencies like the Federal Emergency Management Agency (Fema), which administers these grants, have seen funding lapse. The World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada, is expected to draw approximately five million fans to the US alone, with large-scale fan festivals and numerous events planned in host cities, many reliant on federal support.
Nellie Pou, a New Jersey representative, emphasized the urgency: "Congress has appropriated $625 million for the 11 cities hosting World Cup matches, including my district. 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. We're running out of time."
Host Cities Voice Dire Warnings
Raymond Martinez, chief operating officer of the Miami host committee, testified that decisions must be made within the next 30 days, as the city is about 70 days from starting to build its fan festival. "Without receiving this money, it would be catastrophic for our planning and coordination," he stated, noting that events beyond the stadium matches, such as impromptu gatherings and watch parties, are in jeopardy. Miami alone applied for $70 million in assistance.
In Kansas City, which will host six matches and welcome around 650,000 visitors, Joseph Mabin, deputy chief of the police department, echoed these concerns. "It is absolutely critical that we get this funding. The 'drop dead' date for this funding is immediate," he testified, warning that budget constraints could override threat assessments.
Budgetary Challenges Escalate in Other Areas
Events in other regions have already faced setbacks; a large-scale fan festival in New Jersey's Liberty State Park was recently scrapped in favor of smaller watch parties. In Foxborough, a Boston suburb hosting games at Gillette Stadium, officials have not received the nearly $8 million requested for security costs, threatening to withhold the entertainment license Fifa needs. This shortfall represents about half of the town's annual public safety budget.
Town officials have engaged the Kraft family, owners of Gillette Stadium and local sports teams, to cover the gap temporarily, but no resolution has been reached. A deadline of 17 March has been set, after which adequate preparation for the seven matches may be impossible.
Shutdown Context and Political Stalemate
The current partial shutdown, the third in just over a year, stems from lawmakers' failure to approve the DHS appropriations bill. Senate Democrats are withholding further funding until the Trump administration imposes new restrictions on federal immigration enforcement operations, following recent fatal shootings by ICE agents. While ICE remains funded and operational, Fema's lapsed funding directly impacts World Cup security grants.
As the clock ticks down, officials stress that transparency and timely action from DHS are essential to ensure the US is ready for this global event, with potential cancellations looming if funds are not released soon.
