NEW DELHI — With just over three months remaining before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, officials from host cities in the United States, Canada and Mexico have warned that security preparations are falling behind schedule, raising concerns about potential disruptions when the tournament kicks off on June 11.
During testimony before the U.S. House Homeland Security Committee, local representatives pointed to two major challenges: a freeze on federal security funding and weak coordination between federal and local authorities, according to a report by The West Australian.
Funding concerns stem from a decision by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to scale back operations to what it described as “bare-minimum, life-saving operations” during the federal government shutdown. As a result, nearly $900 million allocated for World Cup security has been placed on hold.
The delayed funding includes $625 million intended for host cities to manage large-scale security operations to protect players, fans and infrastructure. An additional $250 million had been earmarked for host states to enhance their ability to monitor and counter drone activity.
Mike Sena, president of the National Fusion Center Association, told lawmakers that the delays have left cities struggling to prepare. “I feel that if we’d been having this conversation two years ago, we’d be in better shape but today, as we’re approaching these games, we’re nowhere near the capability we need,” he said.
In Miami, organizers said the funding uncertainty is already affecting planning. Ray Martinez, chief operating officer of the Miami World Cup Host Committee, warned that critical deadlines are approaching.
“We’re 107 days out from the tournament but, more importantly, we’re about 70-something days out from starting to build the Fan Fest,” Martinez said. Miami has applied for $70 million in federal assistance, and he warned that without confirmation by the end of March, organizers will begin cutting events. “These decisions have to be made. Without receiving this money, it could be catastrophic for our planning and coordination,” he said.
In Foxborough, Massachusetts, officials have suggested the city may withdraw from hosting seven scheduled matches at Gillette Stadium if funding is not restored. Kansas City authorities also raised concerns about staffing shortages. Deputy Police Chief Joseph Mabin told the committee that his department lacks the personnel needed to meet security demands and that federal support is necessary to hire additional officers.
The expanded 48-team tournament will be staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Opening matches are scheduled to take place in Mexico on June 11, with the United States playing its first match the following day in Los Angeles. Australia will open its campaign in Vancouver before facing the United States on June 20 in Seattle and concluding the group stage against Paraguay on June 26 in California.
With the countdown underway, host city officials warned that unless funding and coordination issues are resolved quickly, the world’s largest football tournament could face serious logistical and security challenges. (Source: IANS)
