Local officials representing cities set to host matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup warned the United States Congress on Tuesday that security concerns, coordination gaps and frozen federal funding could jeopardise preparations with just over 100 days remaining before the tournament begins.
Testifying before the US House Homeland Security Committee, officials stressed the urgent need to release security funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which have been stalled during an ongoing funding freeze at the US Department of Homeland Security.
The United States is one of three host nations for the tournament, which will kick off on June 11 in Mexico City. Matches in the U.S. begin on June 12 in Los Angeles, while the final will be staged on July 19 in New York City and New Jersey.
Officials told lawmakers that security planning for stadiums, transportation networks, hotels, training sites and fan events is being hindered by the inability to access federal funding.
The federal government had previously earmarked $625 million for the 11 U.S. host cities “to enhance security and preparedness,” alongside an additional $250 million to help cities detect, identify and mitigate drone threats, according to FEMA.
However, planning efforts have been thrown into uncertainty as agencies struggle to coordinate their security operations.
“I feel that if we’d been having this conversation two years ago, we’d be in better shape,” said Mike Sena, president of the National Fusion Center Association.
“… But today, as we’re approaching these games, we’re nowhere near the capability we need.”
Sena warned that the World Cup, along with the 2028 Summer Olympics, will present one of the biggest homeland security tests the United States has faced in decades.
“For events of this scale, that approach means serious risks may go unaddressed,” he said, referring to what he described as insufficient coordination between local agencies and the federal government.
Witnesses and lawmakers cited a range of emerging risks, including drone threats, human trafficking, the possible presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents at games, and recent drug cartel violence in Guadalajara, which has raised questions about security preparations in Mexico.
The concerns surfaced on the 11th day of a freeze on Homeland Security funding following deadly shootings of U.S. citizens by ICE officers in Minneapolis.
Local organisers warned that the lack of funding is already threatening major fan events scheduled around the tournament.
Ray Martinez, chief operating officer of the Miami World Cup Host Committee, said Miami could soon be forced to cancel key plans if funding does not arrive soon.
“We’re 107 days out from the tournament but, more importantly, we’re about 70-something days out from starting to build the Fan Fest. These decisions have to be made,” Martinez said.
“…Without receiving this money, it could be catastrophic for our planning and coordination.”
Miami has applied for roughly $70 million in federal security funding and officials say the end of March represents a “drop dead date” for decisions on large-scale events such as Fan Fest concerts.
Lawmakers also warned that the shutdown is preventing FEMA staff from processing grants.
Carlos Gimenez, a Republican representative from Florida, told the hearing that the funding would not be released until the government reopens.
“FEMA staffers who process grants are not working during the partial shutdown and that funding is not coming till the government reopens,” Gimenez said.
Police departments in several host cities also warned that they cannot recruit or deploy additional officers without the federal support.
Joseph Mabin, deputy chief of the Kansas City Police Department, said the funds are essential for his city’s preparations.
“The release of this funding is critical for Kansas City to hire additional personnel ahead of the World Cup,” Mabin said, noting that the department currently lacks the manpower to address all potential threats.
Kansas City is scheduled to host six matches and serve as a base camp for four teams.
Officials also said salaries for many workers coordinating security planning are tied to the frozen funding.
Travis Nelson, deputy chief of staff and homeland security adviser to the governor of Maryland, described the situation as a critical turning point.
“This moment is pivotal,” Nelson said, comparing the situation to a game of Jenga where one wrong move “is going to cause the whole thing to come down.”
Meanwhile, local officials in Foxborough have sought clarity on the source of roughly $8 million needed to fund public safety operations for matches at Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots.
The White House World Cup Task Force, led by Andrew Giuliani, did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the funding delays.
Boluwatife Enome
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