World Cup 2026: Security concerns for US cities over funding freeze

“We have to start making some really tough decisions, and it starts with our fan festival,” he said.

“Without receiving these funds, it could be disastrous for our planning and coordination,” he added.

“Matches will be held at the stadium, but preparation for all the impromptu events and viewing parties we expect to see will be in jeopardy.”

The World Cup, also hosted by Canada and Mexico, begins on June 11.

The United States’ match against Paraguay in Los Angeles on June 13 will be the first of the 2026 tournament to be held in the United States.

Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Kansas City, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Seattle are the US host cities.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), launched the FIFA World Cup Grant Program in November.

The aim was to provide $625 million (£462 million) to host cities “to implement the large-scale security activities required to protect players, staff, attendees, venues and critical infrastructure across host cities, and to strengthen them against potential terrorist attacks.”

The amount was increased by $250m (£185m) in December to “enhance their ability to detect, identify, track or mitigate unmanned aircraft systems”. [drones]”.

However, since the funding freeze, Kansas City Police Deputy Chief Joseph Mabin said his department does not have enough staff to cover the city’s security needs.

Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Boston, was scheduled to host seven games, but city officials did not, external It said it may withdraw from hosting the games unless it receives funding.

England will play Croatia in Dallas on June 17, Ghana in Boston on June 23, and Panama in New York on June 27.

Scotland will play Haiti and Morocco in Boston on June 14 and 19, respectively, before facing Brazil in Miami on June 24.