U.S. Reps. Mark E. Green, M.D. (R-TN) and Michael McCaul (R-TX) said a bipartisan task force will conduct security oversight as the country prepares for major international events in the coming years.
The “Task Force on Enhancing Security for Special Events in the United States” will visit select events sites, hold hearings, host roundtables and release a final report on their findings, the lawmakers said. The United States will host the FIFA World Cup in 2026, the Summer Olympics in 2028, the 2025 Ryder Cup and the 250th anniversary of the country in 2026.
Green, chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security, said the McCaul will serve as chairman of the task force and that additional task force members will be announced in the near future. Results of the task force’s findings will be released as part of the Committee’s oversight of National Special Security Events (NSSEs) and major Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) events.
“As the U.S. prepares to host high-profile events like the Olympics and the World Cup, it’s imperative that we make robust security preparations to ensure Americans—and millions of international guests—can safely enjoy their experience,” McCaul said. “While these events provide a unique opportunity to showcase the United States’ global leadership and commitment to excellence, they can also attract increased threats as our adversaries and other malign actors seek to exploit and sabotage them. I’m proud our committee is addressing these challenges head-on, in close coordination with the administration, to empower all levels of our government, law enforcement, first responders, and other stakeholders to execute events that are spirited, seamless, and—most importantly—safe.”
President Donald Trump established the task force via executive order in March. The move came after organizers experienced difficulties in managing spectator behavior at the 2024 Copa America, played at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Fla. During June and July of 2026, the World Cup will hold over 70 matches at 11 different cities across the country. Officials said they want to ensure the country is prepared to host a sporting event the size of the World Cup. FIFA estimates at least five million fans will travel to the United States to attend events, with as many as six billion viewers watching the event online.
“Over the next four years, major cities across America will host (an) historic number of international events, with millions of guests from across the globe visiting our communities. While this is an important opportunity to showcase American exceptionalism, we have seen time and time again that mass-spectator events can present unique challenges for law enforcement and prime opportunities for America’s adversaries,” Green said. “From the Boston Marathon bombing and ISIS threats against the recent Paris Olympics, to the New Year’s Day attack in advance of the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans, it is of the utmost importance that we learn from the past and ensure the federal government leads robust and coordinated security efforts alongside state and local officials, emergency managers, and all levels of law enforcement to stay ahead of threats in the coming months.”
The House Homeland Security Committee’s budget reconciliation includes $625 million for the FIFA World Cup, as well as $1 billion for the 2028 Summer Olympics from July 14 to Aug. 27, 2028, and the Paralympic Games starting on Aug. 15, 2028. Funding for the World Cup will be available through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) State Homeland Security Grant Program.