WASHINGTON, D.C. — Federal officials are distributing $100,300,000 to public transit agencies in cities hosting matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup to help expand transportation capacity as millions of visitors travel to stadiums and surrounding event areas.
What This Means for You
- Public transit agencies in World Cup host cities will receive federal funding to increase service during the tournament.
- The money can be used for planning, infrastructure upgrades, and operating costs tied to match-related travel demand.
- Transit agencies must commit the funds within one fiscal year after the 2026 World Cup concludes.
The funding, announced by U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy, will be administered through the Federal Transit Administration, the federal agency that supports and regulates public transportation systems across the country.
Officials say the funding is intended to help transit systems handle the surge in ridership expected during the international soccer tournament, which will bring large crowds to stadiums and surrounding entertainment districts.
“DOT is doing its part to ensure the United States is ready to host the most spectacular World Cup in history,” Duffy said. “We’re proud to partner with host cities to provide fans with a seamless travel experience.”
How the Funding Will Be Distributed
The $100,300,000 will be divided among host cities using a formula that considers the number of matches scheduled in each city and the seating capacity of the stadiums hosting those games.
Transit agencies may use the funding for several purposes, including planning for increased ridership, purchasing equipment, expanding transit services near stadiums, and covering operational costs during tournament events.
The funding can cover 100 percent of eligible costs, meaning transit agencies are not required to contribute matching funds.
Federal Support for Host Cities
Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House Task Force on the FIFA World Cup 2026, said the investments are designed to help communities manage the logistics of hosting one of the world’s largest sporting events.
“This funding is about more than moving fans—it’s about preparing our communities to host the largest sporting event in history and ensuring the world sees America at its best,” Giuliani said.
Implementation Requirements
Transit agencies receiving the funding must formally commit the funds within one fiscal year after the close of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
To assist agencies in applying and using the funds, the Federal Transit Administration has released a guidance toolkit and a frequently asked questions document for transit agencies and other transportation stakeholders.
Funding Source
The transit funding was approved by Congress through the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026, the federal spending law that provides funding for government programs and agencies.
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