World Cup 2026: US cities' security concerns over funding freeze
BBC World
February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The U.S. government has been warned that a freeze in funding could lead to catastrophic security consequences for cities hosting matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With only 107 days until the tournament begins, host cities are struggling to secure the necessary resources to prepare for the event. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) had allocated $625 million to support extensive security measures, including protecting against potential terrorist attacks and mitigating drone threats. However, with funding frozen, cities like Kansas City and Boston are facing significant challenges in covering their security needs. For instance, Boston’s Gillette Stadium, set to host seven matches, may withdraw from hosting games unless it receives the required funding.
The World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is expected to attract millions of fans and players from around the globe. The U.S. cities involved—Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Kansas City, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Seattle—are each responsible for ensuring robust security measures. Without adequate funding, these cities are
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/25/2026