Senate Dems Stall DHS Funding, Risking World Cup Security

Partisan gridlock threatens preparations for 2026 FIFA World Cup in the U.S.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The ongoing debate between Senate Democrats and the White House over funding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) could have major implications for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is set to take place across North America. With the DHS lacking proper funding, critical security preparations and coordination for the World Cup are being disrupted, potentially putting American and international fans at risk.

Why it matters

The DHS plays a vital role in securing major events like the World Cup, handling everything from border security and intelligence to emergency management and coordination with local law enforcement. The current funding impasse threatens to undermine these essential preparations, raising concerns about the safety and security of the millions of fans expected to attend the games.

The details

The White House had established a task force to coordinate World Cup efforts with FIFA, but that task force was administered through the DHS. Without proper DHS funding, host cities are facing delays in receiving critical grants and resources, while programs like Global Entry that facilitate smooth entry for international travelers have been halted. Additionally, interagency training exercises to ensure the safety of World Cup attendees may be postponed until the funding dispute is resolved.

  • The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to kick off in just 100 days.
  • The DHS has been without funding for the last two weeks as negotiations between Senate Democrats and the Trump administration have stalled.

The players

Kristi Noem

Homeland Security Secretary.

Mike Johnson

House Speaker, R-La.

Dick Durbin

U.S. Senator, D-Ill.

Chuck Schumer

U.S. Senator, D-N.Y.

Andrew Giuliani

Executive Director of the White House Task Force on FIFA World Cup 2026.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The Democrats need to stop playing games and end their DHS shutdown immediately, so that the great people of America will be able to fully enjoy the experience of this historic World Cup.”

— Davis Ingle, White House Spokesman (Fox News Digital)

“It's time for the Democrats to end the shutdown so DHS can continue its critical mission of protecting the American people and ensuring that everyone coming here for the World Cup can do so safely and securely.”

— Andrew Giuliani, Executive Director of the White House Task Force on FIFA World Cup 2026 (Fox News Digital)

“With the first FIFA World Cup game just 100 days away, now is the time to urgently secure venues, counter drone threats, and coordinate law enforcement activity. Instead, Democrats' shutdown has much of that vital preparation on pause, jeopardizing the safety of millions of Americans and international visitors.”

— Michael McCaul, Chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee's Task Force on Securing the Homeland Amidst Special Events (Fox News Digital)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This partisan standoff over DHS funding threatens to undermine critical security preparations for the 2026 World Cup, putting American and international fans at risk. It highlights the need for lawmakers to put political differences aside and prioritize public safety for this historic global event.