US World Cup Security Funding at Risk Amid Government Shutdown
The United States is set to host 78 matches across 11 cities during the upcoming World Cup. However, US government officials have been cautioned about potentially "catastrophic" security consequences if the host cities do not receive the allocated funding, which has been frozen due to a partial federal government shutdown.
Nearly $900 million (£666 million) designated for the 11 US host cities remains undisbursed as a result of the shutdown. During a House Homeland Security Committee hearing, officials identified the freezing of funds and insufficient coordination between local entities and the federal government as primary factors contributing to delays in security preparations.
Ray Martinez, chief operating officer of the Miami World Cup Host Committee, expressed concern over the financial shortfall, stating that the committee may have to cancel events unless it receives $70 million (£52 million) by the end of March.
"We have to start making some really tough decisions and it starts with our fan festival," he said.
"Without receiving this money, it could be catastrophic for our planning and co-ordination.
"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 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by Canada and Mexico along with the US, is scheduled to begin on 11 June. The first US-hosted match of the tournament will be the USA versus Paraguay game in Los Angeles on 13 June.
The US host cities include Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Kansas City, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Seattle.
FEMA Grant Program and Funding Challenges
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), initiated a FIFA World Cup grant program in November aimed at providing $625 million (£462 million) to host cities. The funds are intended to support extensive security activities to protect players, staff, attendees, venues, and critical infrastructure, enhancing defenses against potential terrorist attacks.
In December, the funding was increased by $250 million (£185 million) to improve capabilities to detect, identify, track, or mitigate unmanned aircraft systems (drones).
Despite these allocations, the freeze on funds has affected preparations. Joseph Mabin, deputy chief of police in Kansas City, reported that his department lacks sufficient personnel to meet the city’s security requirements.
Additionally, the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Boston, which is scheduled to host seven matches, faces uncertainty. Town officials have reportedly indicated that they may withdraw from hosting games if funding is not received.
Match Schedule Highlights
Several notable matches are scheduled across the US host cities. England will play Croatia in Dallas on 17 June, Ghana in Boston on 23 June, and Panama in New York on 27 June.
Scotland is set to face Haiti and Morocco in Boston on 14 and 19 June respectively, before playing Brazil in Miami on 24 June.
Related Information
Additional details indicate that ICE will play a key role in security operations during the World Cup in the US.
