Source:REUTERS/Daniel Becerril
[Saba Sports News] According to U.S. media reports, the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has notified members of Congress that 11 U.S. cities hosting World Cup matches this summer will receive $625 million in security funding. The funds will be allocated through FEMA’s FIFA World Cup Grant Program, which is reportedly intended for “conducting operational drills, conducting background checks on staff, and strengthening cybersecurity defenses.” This funding was initially pledged last summer in former President Trump’s domestic policy bill, which he called a “great and beautiful bill.” However, its approval was delayed during a partial shutdown of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in early 2026. Previously, federal agents shot and killed two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis, prompting Democrats to demand greater restrictions on the activities of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Since FEMA falls under the jurisdiction of DHS, the World Cup has become entangled in this political dispute.
The editor believes that fans should be delighted to see the Department of Homeland Security finally do the right thing and release this long-overdue funding. It is hoped that with the disbursement of this funding, the host cities and law enforcement agencies will have everything they need to make the 2026 World Cup a huge success.