The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced recently a funding opportunity for grants to carry out security preparations for the FIFA World Cup, as well to counter unmanned aircraft systems.
FEMA said the FIFA World Cup Grant program would provide $625 million to the 11 cities hosting soccer games in 2026. The host cities can use the funding for security preparations, as well as for activities like training, staff background checks, and cybersecurity defense, as well as increased police and emergency response for FIFA venues, hotels and transportation hubs.
“Nothing is more important to President Trump than protecting the American people,” said a FEMA spokesperson. “The 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to be the largest sporting event in history, so it must also be the safest. That’s why DHS is already working with host cities to ensure players, staff and attendees are safe from all threats, including terrorist activities and criminal use of drones. By providing federal funding to state and local communities through carefully crafted grant programs, we are ensuring that taxpayer money is spent responsibly on projects that deliver real safety and security for all Americans.”
DHES will also make available $500 million over two years for states to combat the unlawful use of unmanned aircraft systems, or drones. DHS will award $250 million to nine states and the National Capital Region hosting FIFA World Cup 2026 and American 250 events. The remaining $250 million will be distributed to all 56 states and territories.
Both the FIFA World Cup Grant Program and the C-UAS Grant Program were established under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed into law by President Donald Trump in July 2025.
Application periods for the grants opened on Oct. 28 and will close on Dec. 5, 2026.