WASHINGTON, D.C. — Federal officials say nearly $900 million in security funding, large-scale emergency training, and coordinated planning efforts are now in place as the United States prepares to host millions of visitors during the FIFA World Cup 2026 tournament.
What This Means for You
- FEMA says more than 238,000 emergency personnel have already received World Cup-related training.
- Federal officials allocated nearly $900 million for security, emergency response, and anti-drone protections in host cities.
- Visitors are being urged to prepare for heightened security, heat risks, and emergency procedures during matches.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency said it has spent more than a year working with federal, state, local, tribal, territorial, and private-sector partners to prepare for the international soccer tournament, which will be hosted across 11 U.S. cities.
Officials said the training efforts have focused on emergency coordination, large sports venue management, mass casualty response, and public safety planning.
Mass casualty response refers to emergency operations designed to handle incidents involving large numbers of injured or affected people at the same time.
“The federal government is fully prepared to make this tournament a success,” Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said in a statement, adding that the effort relies heavily on coordination with state, local, and private-sector partners.
Federal Funding Focuses on Security
According to FEMA, approximately $625 million has been distributed through the FIFA World Cup Grant Program to help host cities strengthen security operations around stadiums, transportation hubs, hotels, and other critical infrastructure.
Critical infrastructure refers to systems and facilities considered essential to public safety and daily operations, including transportation networks, utilities, communications systems, and emergency services.
Officials said the funding will support law enforcement staffing, emergency response operations, preparedness exercises, and counterterrorism protections.
An additional $250 million has been allocated through a Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems grant program aimed at helping cities detect, monitor, and respond to potentially dangerous drone activity during the tournament.
Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems programs are designed to identify and manage unauthorized drones near sensitive areas or major public events.
Federal officials said those funds will also support security planning tied to “Freedom 250” celebrations connected to the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Training and Emergency Planning Continue
FEMA said it has already conducted or supported emergency exercises in several World Cup host regions, including Bergen County, New Jersey; Miami-Dade County, Florida; Atlanta, Georgia; and the California communities of Inglewood and San Francisco.
The agency said it is continuing to help cities improve emergency alerts and warning systems ahead of the tournament.
Karen S. Evans, the senior official performing the duties of FEMA administrator, said coordination meetings with businesses, industry groups, emergency managers, and government agencies have continued in recent weeks.
“These partners are the anchors of community resilience every day — both on gray-sky days and on game days,” Evans said.
Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House Task Force overseeing tournament coordination, described the World Cup as an opportunity to showcase national preparedness and infrastructure during the country’s 250th anniversary year.
Safety Guidance for Visitors
Federal officials are also urging visitors attending matches to prepare for heightened security and large crowds.
FEMA advised attendees to monitor local weather conditions, review stadium rules, use official transportation services, and prepare for airport-style security screenings that may include metal detectors and bag restrictions.
The agency also warned visitors about heat-related illness risks during outdoor events.
Officials advised attendees to stay hydrated, wear lightweight clothing, identify emergency exits upon entering venues, and immediately report suspicious activity or unattended items to event staff or law enforcement.
“If you see something that doesn’t seem right, say something,” officials said, directing attendees to the Department of Homeland Security’s public awareness campaign at See Something, Say Something Campaign.
FIFA World Cup 2026 events are scheduled to continue through the final match in New Jersey on July 19, according to federal officials.
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