US World Cup cities receive $625m in delayed security funding

The 11 U.S. host cities for this summer’s World Cup have finally been awarded $625 million in security funding, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), following months of delay that have left local organisers scrambling to finalise plans.

The funding, distributed through FEMA’s FIFA World Cup Grant Program, is intended to “hold operational exercises, conduct staff background checks, and strengthen cybersecurity defenses.”

The late release has had real consequences, though. The money was originally pledged in President Donald Trump’s domestic policy bill last summer, but processing stalled during the partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in early 2026.

That delay has compressed timelines for host cities, particularly around fan zones and large-scale public viewing areas that require extensive permitting, staffing, and security planning.

With matches now less than 90 days away, organisers are racing to finalise layouts, secure vendors, and coordinate public safety measures that typically take months to implement.

Former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem blamed Democrats for the shutdown, warning that prolonged funding gaps would leave the country less prepared for World Cup security threats. She said FEMA had been in the “final stages” of reviewing applications when the shutdown began on February 14.

But Rep. Nellie Pou countered that the funds were expected to be awarded by January 30, which was before the shutdown. “Matches begin in less than 90 days… officials needed this money months ago,” she said, welcoming the eventual release while emphasising the lost preparation time.

FEMA acknowledged that multiple funding lapses impacted staffing but said the eventual rollout was a sign of commitment to supporting host cities.

An additional $250 million has also been allocated through a separate programme to help states counter drone threats.

While the funding is significant, the delay has tightened execution windows, leaving cities to deliver fan experiences and security operations under increased and, quite frankly, unnecessary pressure.