World Cup host cities are ‘running out of time’ with $625m in funding held up by DHS shutdown
The Guardian • • nation
Key Points:
- Local and national officials warn that the ongoing partial US government shutdown, affecting the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), could severely disrupt planning and security preparations for the 2026 World Cup, just over 100 days away.
- Eleven host cities, including Miami, Kansas City, and New Jersey, have yet to receive a pledged $625 million in federal funds for security and event planning, despite Congress appropriating the money last July.
- The shutdown has halted funding for FEMA, which administers the grants, causing concerns over the cancellation or scaling back of large fan festivals and related events, while stadium matches are expected to proceed.
- Foxborough, Massachusetts, which is hosting seven matches including high-profile games, has not received nearly $8 million
