The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently awarded the 11 cities hosting FIFA World Cup 2026 matches $625 million to boost security preparations.
“The 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to be the largest sporting event in history, so it must also be the most secure,” Karen Evans, senior official performing the duties of the FEMA administrator, said. “Through the FIFA World Cup Grant Program, FEMA is providing critical funding—over half a billion dollars—to help state and local authorities protect their communities as well as World Cup venues, players and attendees. By delivering these resources and ensuring the money is spent efficiently and effectively, FEMA is making a significant contribution to a safe, secure World Cup.”
Funding is through the FIFA World Cup Grant Program. Recipients can use funding to strengthen cybersecurity defenses, conduct staff background checks, hold operational exercises, and pay for increased police and emergency response at FIFA venues, hotels and transportation hubs.
FEMA also recently awarded the FIFA host states $250 million through the Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems Grant Program. The program funds activities that strengthen the ability to detect, identify, track or mitigate the unlawful use of unmanned aircraft systems also known as “drones”.