Security preparations for the 2026 World Cup in the United States have been thrown into uncertainty after senior officials warned that frozen federal funding could have “catastrophic” consequences for host cities.
Almost $900 million, earmarked for 11 American cities staging matches, has yet to be released amid a partial federal government shutdown.
The delay has sparked concern among organisers, police chiefs and local authorities responsible for safeguarding millions of fans expected to attend next summer’s tournament.
At a hearing of the House Homeland Security Committee, officials said the funding freeze, coupled with a lack of coordination between local authorities and the federal government, has left crucial security planning behind schedule.
Ray Martinez, chief operating officer of the Miami World Cup Host Committee, painted a stark picture of the situation in Florida.
“We have to start making some really tough decisions and it starts with our fan festival,” he said.
“Without receiving this money, it could be catastrophic for our planning and coordination.
“The matches up at the stadium will take place, but preparing for all the impromptu events and watch parties that we are expecting to see will be in jeopardy.”
Miami is due to stage several high-profile fixtures, including Scotland’s clash with Brazil on 24 June.
The tournament, co-hosted by FIFA across the United States, Canada and Mexico, kicks off on 11 June. The first match on American soil will see the USA face Paraguay in Los Angeles on 13 June.
The 11 US host cities are Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Kansas City, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Seattle.
The funding in question stems from a grant programme launched in November by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which operates under the Department of Homeland Security.
Initially valued at $625 million, the scheme was designed to help cities “carry out the extensive security activities required to protect players, staff, attendees, venues and critical infrastructure across the host cities, strengthening them against potential terrorist attacks”.
In December, the allocation was increased by a further $250 million to bolster efforts to “detect, identify, track, or mitigate unmanned aircraft systems”, a reference to drone threats that have become an increasing concern at major sporting events.
With the money now frozen, several cities say they are struggling to maintain momentum.
Joseph Mabin, deputy chief of police in Kansas City, told lawmakers his department does not have sufficient personnel to meet projected security demands without the federal support.
In Massachusetts, uncertainty surrounds fixtures scheduled at Gillette Stadium, which is set to host seven matches. Officials in Foxborough have reportedly indicated the town could withdraw from hosting duties if the expected funding does not arrive.
England are due to play Croatia in Dallas on 17 June, Ghana in Boston on 23 June and Panama in New York on 27 June. Scotland’s group-stage schedule includes Haiti and Morocco in Boston on 14 and 19 June respectively, before they meet with Brazil in Miami.
