WASHINGTON, D.C. — With the 2026 FIFA World Cup looming as the largest sporting event in history, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has moved at breakneck speed to deliver $250 million to bolster defenses against hostile drones at mass gatherings across the United States.
FEMA announced the funding will go to the 11 states hosting World Cup matches and to the National Capital Region, launching the first round of awards under the new Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems Grant Program. The money is aimed at strengthening the ability of state and local agencies to detect, track, identify, and mitigate unmanned aircraft systems, commonly known as drones.
Federal officials said the move reflects growing concern that criminals, terrorists, and hostile foreign actors are increasingly using drone technology to probe or disrupt large public events. The funding aligns with the Trump-Vance Administration’s push to restore American airspace sovereignty and protect the public during high-profile gatherings, an effort reinforced by a recent executive order and new authorities granted under the SAFER SKIES Act.
The grants arrive as preparations intensify for the World Cup, which is expected to draw millions of spectators and global attention to U.S. cities. Law enforcement, fire services, emergency medical responders, emergency management agencies, and other qualifying public safety organizations will use the funds to expand counter-drone capabilities ahead of the tournament.
Karen S. Evans, FEMA’s acting administrator, said the agency acted with unusual speed to meet the moment. Funds were awarded just 25 days after the application deadline, making it the fastest non-disaster grant rollout in FEMA’s history. Evans credited the rapid execution to a concerted effort by the administration to cut red tape and move resources quickly into the field to protect the public.
The C-UAS Grant Program was created under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025, signed into law by President Trump in July. The program provides $500 million over two years to strengthen state and local defenses against unmanned aircraft threats. The initial $250 million targets World Cup host states and the National Capital Region, which will also host major America 250 events. The remaining $250 million is slated for distribution next year to all states and territories, broadening the focus to nationwide detection and response capabilities.
FEMA officials said the rollout follows a sweeping review of the agency’s grant programs, part of broader reforms aimed at eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse. Under the current administration, the agency says grants are now more tightly focused on projects that deliver measurable security benefits.
As the countdown to the World Cup continues, federal leaders are framing the investment as both an immediate safeguard for historic events and a long-term upgrade to the nation’s defenses against an evolving airborne threat.
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