2026 FIFA World Cup Preparations at Risk Due to DHS Shutdown
In just under three months, the United States will host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking a significant milestone as it coincides with America’s 250th anniversary. The tournament promises to be the largest sporting event ever, featuring 78 matches across 11 cities over 40 days. It’s expected to draw over 5 million visitors and generate around $30 billion in economic activity.
However, the White House Task Force for the World Cup, led by President Donald Trump, is facing challenges in ensuring a secure event due to the ongoing shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This situation has hampered DHS’s preparations for the massive event.
With Congress failing to provide funding more than a month ago, key agencies such as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) are struggling. They are operating with limited resources and many staff members are unpaid, leading to some operations being suspended.
These agencies are crucial to the White House FIFA Task Force’s comprehensive strategy to safeguard both U.S. citizens and international guests.
The current DHS shutdown poses a significant hurdle in getting ready for what will be the largest influx of visitors the country has ever seen. It’s more than just bureaucratic inefficiency; it’s a potential risk to national security.
With the first match scheduled to kick off in less than 80 days, any extended shutdown could leave critical gaps in security planning and operational readiness. The longer Congress delays funding, the more compromised our ability to host a secure World Cup becomes.
Millions of tourists will be arriving, and our airports, cities, and ports must be adequately prepared. Unfortunately, the ongoing shutdown complicates these preparations immensely.
The TSA has a crucial role in ensuring safe travel for soccer fans, but currently, nearly 95% of TSA staff are working without pay. This has resulted in increased burden on personnel, leading to higher departure rates and longer waiting times at checkpoints. Major airports like JFK and Hartsfield-Jackson are experiencing high callout rates, which could translate to chaos during the World Cup.
Moreover, plans for upgrading security technology at key World Cup airports are at risk of delays or cancellations due to the shutdown. Specific staffing arrangements, deployment of trained security dogs, and coordination with local law enforcement are also being affected.
This prolonged closure further complicates TSA’s efforts to fortify defenses against drone threats, particularly around major transit hubs. If this situation is allowed to continue, the effectiveness of security at busy airports could decline just as international fans arrive.
Most training and preparation for DHS responders and cybersecurity measures have been halted, hampering safeguarding against both physical and cyber threats during the World Cup. The furloughs and employee turnover rates mean that conducting essential security assessments is becoming increasingly difficult.
The Coast Guard will also play a pivotal role in managing security at the nation’s ports and waterways during the event. Yet, nearly 75% of its civilian staff are currently furloughed, hindering their ability to function effectively. They need to mobilize security forces for the World Cup, but funding shortages complicate matters.
The longer DHS functions without adequate funding, the greater the risk to America’s security and the success of the Games. Political gridlock is jeopardizing public safety and the overall success of this historic occasion.
This situation doesn’t have to persist. It’s imperative that Congress take action immediately: end the shutdown, restore DHS funding, and equip the agency with the necessary resources to ensure the World Cup is a memorable and secure event. The world will be watching, and the clock is ticking.
