"With just over 100 days until the start of the 2026 World Cup, officials from several host cities in the United States have warned that the partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which is exacerbating an already problematic lack of institutional coordination, is severely impacting security and logistical planning for the world's largest sporting event."
"The federal government had allocated, in its mega fiscal law passed last summer known as the Big Beautiful Bill $625 million through the DHS to strengthen security and preparedness at the 11 U.S. host venues (Mexico and Canada are also hosts, but the United States is by far the country that will host the most matches), as well as another $250 million specifically earmarked for improving drone threat detection and mitigation."
"However, due to the current budget freeze affecting the DHS, which shows no signs of being resolved soon in Congress, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which is responsible for distributing the funds, is unable to release them."
With over 100 days until the 2026 World Cup, U.S. host city officials and experts warned Congress that the partial Department of Homeland Security shutdown is creating catastrophic planning challenges for the tournament. The federal government allocated $625 million through DHS for security and preparedness at 11 U.S. venues, plus $250 million for drone threat detection. However, FEMA cannot distribute these funds due to the budget freeze. The shutdown also impacts TSA airport security, the Coast Guard, and Secret Service. While match schedules may not face direct disruptions, festivals and side events are anticipated to be significantly affected. Democrats and Republicans remain unable to reach a budget agreement, with disagreements over federal immigration agent limits preventing DHS reopening.
Read at english.elpais.com
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