WASHINGTON.- Several people responsible for the security of the World Cup 2026 in USA They expressed their concern on Tuesday about delays in federal funding for protection measures for the largest global sporting event.
In 2025, the US Congress approved a package of 625 million dollars to finance security measures, as well as 500 million for anti-drone protection, from the World Cup that the United States will host alongside Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19.
A part of that item has not yet been disbursed, security officials warned Congress.
“When disbursements are postponed, it not only affects local budgets, it also derails national priority projects that must prevent major threats,” he said. Mike Senapresident of the National Association of Fusion Centers (NFCA), which coordinates the exchange of national security information between federal agencies and local authorities.
“We are already facing numerous delays and we do not know if or when we will receive these funds in order to continue our operations,” he added during a hearing in the House of Representatives of Congress.
The delay affects in particular coordination and information sharing activities and anti-drone protection measures.
“A cyber attack against the electrical grid, water or transportation (…) would cause a cataract of failures that would overwhelm the emergency services,” Sena warned.
Regarding unmanned flying objects, the large number of places (stadiums, fan meeting areas) “means that we do not have enough trained personnel or equipment to implement countermeasures,” he admitted.
Miami case
There are also 70 million dollars missing from the budget of Miamihe explained Ray Martinezhead of operations of the organizing committee in this city in the state of Florida.
Miami hosts seven meetings and a “Fan Festival” that hopes to bring together several hundred thousand people over 23 days.
If the sum is not released within 30 days, “we will begin to make difficult decisions, first with the Fan Festival (…) which will be in danger,” he warned.
In Kansas City, their services still do not have an operating budget for World Cup security, he assured. Joseph Mabindeputy chief of police of this Missouri city.
The smallest city of the sixteen World Cup venues, Kansas City will host six matches of the tournament and the base camps of four teams, including Argentinathe current world champion.
Agents “need assurances that they will be reimbursed for overtime, as well as travel and lodging expenses,” Mabin demanded.
