Senate Hearing Examines 2026 World Cup Security Preparations

Senators Moran and Britt lead joint subcommittee review of security plans for upcoming FIFA tournament

Apr. 16, 2026 at 12:00am

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A fragmented, geometric painting in red, white, and blue hues, depicting an abstract soccer stadium scene with overlapping angular shapes and planes, conveying the complex security challenges of the 2026 World Cup.A cubist interpretation of the security planning and coordination required for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be the first to be hosted across multiple countries.Washington Today

U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Katie Britt (R-Ala.) led a joint hearing of their respective Senate Appropriations subcommittees to review security preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted across multiple cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Why it matters

The 2026 World Cup will be the first time the global soccer tournament is held in multiple countries, presenting unique security challenges that federal agencies and local authorities must coordinate to ensure the safety of players, staff, and hundreds of thousands of expected fans.

The details

During the hearing, Senators Moran and Britt heard testimony from officials at the Department of Homeland Security, the FBI, and other agencies responsible for overseeing security plans for the 2026 World Cup. Topics discussed included border control, counterterrorism measures, crowd management, and cybersecurity.

  • The joint subcommittee hearing took place on April 16, 2026.

The players

Jerry Moran

U.S. Senator from Kansas and chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, and Science.

Katie Britt

U.S. Senator from Alabama and chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security.

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What they’re saying

“Hosting the World Cup across multiple countries is an unprecedented logistical challenge, and we must ensure that federal, state, and local authorities are fully prepared to keep fans, players, and officials safe.”

— Jerry Moran, U.S. Senator

“Security is our top priority as we welcome the world to North America for this global event. We will leave no stone unturned in our preparations.”

— Katie Britt, U.S. Senator

What’s next

The Senate subcommittees plan to hold additional hearings in the coming months to further review security plans and preparations as the 2026 World Cup approaches.

The takeaway

The joint hearing underscores the significant security challenges involved in hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup across multiple countries, and the need for close coordination between federal, state, and local authorities to ensure a safe and successful tournament.