Uncertainty shrouds World Cup security

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, US officials are stepping up security preparations for what is expected to be one of the largest international sporting events, while warning that funding uncertainties may affect readiness across multiple agencies.

The tournament, set to begin in June and jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, is expected to draw millions of visitors and place increased pressure on transportation systems, border control and public safety infrastructure. Within the US, matches will be held across 11 host cities, requiring coordination among federal, state and local authorities.

Officials have emphasized the central role of the Department of Homeland Security, or DHS, in overseeing security efforts. The department is responsible for airport screening, border protection and coordination among multiple agencies involved in large-scale event security.

According to an ABC News report, Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House Task Force on the FIFA 2026 World Cup, warned that delays in funding the DHS could weaken preparedness for the tournament.

"We're here to make the case as loud as we can that, in order for us to do the best work possible, to ensure that this is going to be a safe and successful World Cup, we need to open the department and need to open it yesterday," Giuliani said.

Giuliani said the DHS plays a key role in coordinating efforts across agencies, including the Transportation Security Administration, or TSA, Customs and Border Protection, and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. He said maintaining coordination across these entities is essential to managing risks associated with a large-scale global event.

Security planning for the World Cup spans multiple areas, including both physical safety and network protection. Officials noted that previous tournaments faced large volumes of cyberattacks, and Giuliani said preparations are being made for potentially higher levels during the 2026 event.

Operational readiness is also linked to staffing and training. Giuliani said that without full funding, the DHS faces challenges in training personnel and conducting joint exercises designed to test emergency response systems.

"Each day that we go without the whole department being funded, it creates more vulnerabilities," he said.

Gaps in planning

Separately, some media reports said that funding constraints have affected preparations, with agencies such as the TSA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the US Coast Guard operating with limited resources during the planning phase.

Those reports noted that delays in funding and coordination could create gaps in security planning and operational readiness as the tournament approaches.

At the local level, host cities are continuing preparations while managing logistical and financial pressures. Municipal authorities are responsible for implementing security plans on the ground, including policing, crowd management and emergency response, often in coordination with federal agencies.

Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas said public safety remains a key concern as cities prepare for the influx of visitors. "I'm worried every day about public safety threats," he said.

The scale of the event is expected to test infrastructure systems nationwide. Airports, in particular, are preparing for a surge in passenger traffic during what could be one of the busiest travel periods in US history. Federal screening and border control operations are expected to play a critical role in maintaining both efficiency and security at key transportation hubs.

In addition to domestic coordination, officials are working to align security protocols across the three host countries. This includes information sharing, joint planning and coordinated procedures aimed at ensuring a consistent approach throughout the tournament.

It was also reported that an ongoing standoff in Congress over funding for the DHS has delayed the distribution of about $625 million in federal funds intended to help host cities offset security costs.

Officials and analysts said broader geopolitical tensions, including the conflict in the Middle East, have added to security concerns surrounding the tournament, with some warning about potential risks to public safety.

Agencies contributed to this story.