World Cup Security Concerns Over Funding Freeze

US officials warn of "catastrophic" consequences if host cities don't receive critical funding.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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US government officials have warned that there could be "catastrophic" security consequences if cities hosting 2026 World Cup matches do not receive nearly $900 million in designated funding that has been frozen amid a partial federal government shutdown. Officials say the funding freeze and lack of coordination between local entities and the federal government are causing major delays in security preparations for the tournament.

Why it matters

The 2026 World Cup is a major global sporting event that will draw millions of spectators to the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Ensuring adequate security is critical to protecting players, staff, and fans, as well as the host cities' infrastructure. The funding freeze threatens to undermine these crucial security efforts, potentially putting the event and public safety at risk.

The details

Almost $900 million designated for the 11 US host cities has not been received, according to officials testifying at a House Homeland Security Committee hearing. Ray Martinez, chief operating officer of the Miami World Cup Host Committee, said his organization may have to cancel events unless it receives $70 million by the end of March. "Without receiving this money, it could be catastrophic for our planning and co-ordination," he warned. Kansas City's deputy police chief also said his department does not have enough staff to cover the city's security needs due to the funding freeze.

  • The 2026 World Cup is scheduled to begin on June 11.
  • The first US match, against Paraguay, is set for June 13 in Los Angeles.
  • Funding was intended to be provided through a FIFA World Cup grant program launched by FEMA in November 2025, which was later increased to $625 million and then $875 million in December 2025.

The players

Ray Martinez

Chief operating officer of the Miami World Cup Host Committee.

Joseph Mabin

Deputy chief of police in Kansas City.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

Part of the Department of Homeland Security, launched the FIFA World Cup grant program to provide funding to host cities for security preparations.

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What they’re saying

“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. Without receiving this money, it could be catastrophic for our planning and co-ordination.”

— Ray Martinez, Chief operating officer of the Miami World Cup Host Committee

“These decisions have to be made. Without receiving this money, it could be catastrophic for our planning and co-ordination.”

— Ray Martinez, Chief operating officer of the Miami World Cup Host Committee

What’s next

Officials say the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Boston may pull out of hosting World Cup matches unless it receives the required funding. The judge overseeing the funding freeze is expected to make a decision on releasing the funds by the end of March.

The takeaway

The funding freeze for World Cup security preparations in the US host cities threatens to undermine critical security efforts and potentially put the event and public safety at risk. This highlights the importance of timely and coordinated funding from the federal government to ensure major global sporting events like the World Cup can be safely and successfully hosted.