Article by Maria Olteanu – Published Wednesday, February 25, 2026, 1:51 p.m. / Updated Wednesday, February 25, 2026, 1:53 p.m.
US government officials have warned there could be catastrophic security consequences if World Cup host cities do not receive funding that has been temporarily “frozen” four months before kick-off.
The United States is set to host 78 matches in 11 cities during the final tournament. However, almost 900 million dollars intended for these cities have not yet been allocated, amid a partial shutdown of the federal government, according to bbc.com.
At a House Homeland Security Committee hearing, officials said a “freeze” of funds and a lack of coordination between local entities and the federal government are two of the main reasons security preparations are behind schedule.
Emotions and issues continue ahead of this summer's World Cup: the latest hot topic, security
Ray Martinez, chief operating officer of the Miami-based World Cup Organizing Committee, said it may have to cancel events if organizers do not receive $70 million by the end of March.
“We're 107 days away from the tour, but more importantly, we're about 70-something days away from starting construction for Fan Fest,” he said.
“These decisions have to be made. Without receiving this money, it could be catastrophic for our planning and coordination”he added.
The World Cup, which is also hosted by Canada and Mexico, will begin on June 11. The United States' match against Paraguay, scheduled for June 13 in Los Angeles, is the first of the 2026 tournament to be played on American soil.
The US host cities are Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Kansas City, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Seattle.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), launched a FIFA World Cup grant program in November.
It was meant to provide 625 million dollars host cities to “carry out the extensive security activities necessary to protect players, staff, participants, arenas and critical infrastructure by fortifying them against potential terrorist attacks”.
They are considering giving up organizing matches
The amount was increased by $250 million in December to “strengthen the ability to detect, identify, track or neutralize unmanned aircraft systems [drone]”.
However, because of the funding freeze, Kansas City Deputy Police Chief Joseph Mabin said his department is understaffed to cover the city's security needs.
Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Boston, is set to host seven games, but local officials have signaled they may pull out if they don't receive the necessary funding.
