With fewer than 100 days until the 2026 FIFA World Cup final in East Rutherford, New Jersey, host cities have yet to receive promised federal funding, and fears over Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) presence are widespread, according to US Representative Nellie Pou.
Congress allocated $625 million to assist 11 American host cities with logistics and security for the tournament, which will feature 104 matches. However, as of late February, no city has received any of these funds. Pou, ranking member of the House homeland security taskforce overseeing World Cup security, warned that delays threaten to turn a generational opportunity into an international embarrassment.
At a congressional hearing on 24 February, officials from Miami, Kansas City, and Foxborough, Massachusetts, testified that funding shortfalls jeopardise key events and security planning. Miami's Fan Fest could be cancelled within 30 days without funds, while Kansas City's deputy police chief said delayed money hinders security preparations. Foxborough has threatened to withhold the licence for Gillette Stadium unless it receives $7.8 million, roughly half its annual public safety budget.
Pou also raised concerns about ICE's role at World Cup events. At a recent hearing, ICE Director Todd Lyons refused to rule out enforcement actions at or near venues, describing ICE as a 'key part' of security. Pou noted that over 90 civil society organisations have written to FIFA about the chilling effect on fan attendance, and dozens of countries have issued travel advisories warning citizens about conditions in the US.
Pou called on the Department of Homeland Security to release the funding and for the administration to provide clear assurances that legally present visitors will not be targeted by immigration enforcement. She emphasised that keeping the World Cup safe and welcoming is a non-partisan issue.
