DHS Shutdown Stalls World Cup Security Grants
FEMA has not awarded $625 million in World Cup grants after DHS funding lapsed, prompting host cities to warn of canceled fan events and looming local deadlines.
Overview
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said FEMA has not awarded funds and that the DHS shutdown is disrupting security and planning for the 2026 World Cup and America 250.
The Department of Homeland Security has been unfunded since 13 February after lawmakers failed to approve its appropriations, and a Feb. 12 Senate vote failed to advance a consolidated funding bill.
Representative Nellie Pou disputed Noem's claim, noting DHS's notice of funding opportunity listed an anticipated award date of 'no later than January 30, 2026,' and urged DHS to release the grants.
Congress last summer authorized roughly $625 million through FEMA for U.S. host cities and another $250 million for drone detection, and local officials from Miami, Kansas City and Foxborough warned the lapse threatens events and staffing plans.
Host committees said decisions must be made within the next 30 days, Foxborough set March 17 as a funding deadline, and Congress has made no visible progress to resolve the DHS funding lapse.
Analysis
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FAQ
The DHS has been unfunded since February 13 or 14, 2026, due to a failure by Congress to approve appropriations, with Senate Democrats refusing funding unless the Trump administration imposes new immigration enforcement restrictions.
$625 million in FEMA grants for security measures in the 11 U.S. host cities, plus $250 million for drone detection in host cities and Washington, D.C. area during America250 events.
Officials from Miami, Kansas City, Foxborough (New Jersey), and North Texas (Dallas area) have warned of impacts, with Miami applying for $70 million and facing a March end drop-dead date.
Host cities warn of canceled fan events like Fan Fests, inability to hire staff, coordination failures, and heightened security risks, with a 30-day drop-dead date and Foxborough's March 17 deadline.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem says funds were in final review stages when shutdown hit; Rep. Nellie Pou disputes this, citing DHS's own notice listing awards no later than January 30, 2026.
