Local security officials from the 11 U.S. host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup testified before the House Homeland Security Committee on February 25, 2026, that the ongoing partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has frozen nearly $900 million in promised federal security grants. The funding lapse, triggered by a continuing resolution impasse, has halted reimbursements and grant disbursements through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), leaving cities unable to fully fund training, staffing, cybersecurity, and infrastructure hardening with less than 107 days until the tournament opens on June 11, 2026, in Mexico City.
The 11 U.S. host cities had been allocated a combined $625 million in FEMA World Cup security grants under the 2024 appropriations package. None of it is currently flowing.
The 11 U.S. Host Cities
The following cities are confirmed U.S. hosts for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and are directly affected by the funding freeze:
DHS Shutdown and Frozen Security Funds
The partial DHS funding lapse began on January 20, 2026, after Congress failed to pass full-year appropriations. FEMA has since limited operations to “bare minimum, life-saving activities,” which explicitly excludes disbursement of non-essential preparedness grants, including all World Cup security allocations.
The key frozen amounts, as testified before the committee:
$625 million
World Cup-specific security grants for the 11 U.S. host cities, covering overtime, equipment, training, and venue hardening
$500 million
Nationwide counter-drone program funding, intended to protect stadiums and fan zones from unauthorized unmanned aircraft systems
$900 million
Total security-related grants currently on hold, per testimony from city and state officials before the House Homeland Security Committee
These figures were appropriated in the FY 2025 Homeland Security Appropriations Act and allocated specifically for the 2026 tournament. They are fully authorized but currently inaccessible due to the continuing resolution impasse.
Security Needs Outlined by Host Cities
City officials testified that the frozen grants fund critical, time-sensitive elements of event security that cannot be financed through local budgets alone:
- Overtime pay for police and fire personnel
- Additional emergency medical and hazardous materials teams
- Background checks and credentialing for thousands of temporary workers
- Cybersecurity enhancements for stadium networks and transit systems
- Physical hardening of perimeters, fan zones, and public transportation hubs
- Counter-drone detection and mitigation systems
Timeline Pressure: 107 Days Until Kickoff
The first match is scheduled for June 11, 2026, at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, with U.S. venues hosting group-stage games starting June 12. Host cities reported that security planning timelines require final contracts and full training programs to be locked in 90 to 120 days before events — leaving virtually no margin for the current delay to continue.
Officials warned that incomplete coordination and staffing shortages could create significant vulnerabilities. One representative testified that the existing gaps “could have catastrophic consequences if a major incident occurs.”
Federal Response and Next Steps
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed in written testimony that FEMA is maintaining essential life-safety operations but cannot process grant reimbursements during the current funding lapse. No timeline was provided for when appropriations would be resolved or funds released.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will involve 104 matches across 16 host cities in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, with an expected 6 million attendees and global viewership projected at 5 billion. It will be the largest sporting event ever held in North America.
Security Funding at a Glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Frozen Security Grants | ~$900 million |
| World Cup Host City Grants | $625 million |
| Counter-Drone Program Funding | $500 million |
| Days Until Tournament Opens | 107 days (June 11, 2026) |
| Planning Deadline Requirement | 90-120 days before events |
| U.S. Host Cities Affected | 11 cities |
| Total Host Cities (All Countries) | 16 (USA, Canada, Mexico) |
| Total Matches | 104 |
| Expected Attendees | 6 million |
| Projected Global Viewership | 5 billion |
| Legal Authority for Grants | FY 2025 Homeland Security Appropriations Act |
| DHS Lapse Start Date | January 20, 2026 |
Timeline: From Appropriation to Funding Freeze
$625M Allocated for World Cup Security
The FY 2025 Homeland Security Appropriations Act allocated $625 million across 11 U.S. host cities for FIFA World Cup security, plus $500 million for counter-drone programs. Disbursement was channeled through FEMA preparedness grants.
DHS Partial Shutdown Begins
Congress fails to pass full-year appropriations. DHS enters a partial funding lapse. FEMA limits operations to "bare minimum, life-saving activities," halting all non-essential preparedness grant disbursements including World Cup security reimbursements.
Host Cities Report Stalled Contracts
City officials report that final security contracts, training programs, and credentialing systems cannot be finalized without confirmed grant funding. Miami-Dade highlights Fan Fest preparations for 100,000+ daily visitors as stalled.
Congressional Testimony
Security officials from all 11 U.S. host cities testify before the House Homeland Security Committee. Officials warn that nearly $900 million in security grants is frozen and that staffing gaps "could have catastrophic consequences if a major incident occurs."
Planning Deadline Window Closing
Security planning timelines require final contracts and training to be locked in 90 to 120 days before events. With the tournament opening June 11, host cities are at or past the point where delays begin creating operational gaps.
World Cup Opens at Estadio Azteca
Opening match is scheduled at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. U.S. venues begin hosting group-stage games June 12. The tournament spans 104 matches across 16 host cities in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, with 6 million expected attendees.
When nearly $900 million in security grants sits frozen 107 days before kickoff, the scoreboard may show goals, but the real game is keeping the funding flowing.