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Federal security funds are now available to World Cup host cities

DHS awarded the grants this week, with only three months left until the 2026 World Cup.

Philadelphia police try to rein in the Wydad fans in the Club World Cup Group G match against Manchester City at Lincoln Financial Field in June.
Philadelphia police try to rein in the Wydad fans in the Club World Cup Group G match against Manchester City at Lincoln Financial Field in June.Read moreDavid Maialetti / Staff Photographer

World Cup host cities in the United States, including Philadelphia, will receive their share of the $625 million in federal security funding previously held up by delays due to the partial government shutdown.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency awarded the security grants to 11 cities last week The funds will be primarily used for paying out police overtime costs associated with patrolling World Cup matches and supporting events.

The city did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

“The 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to be the largest sporting event in history, so it must also be the most secure,” FEMA’s Karen S. Evans said in a statement. “Through the FIFA World Cup Grant Program, FEMA is providing critical funding — over half a billion dollars — to help state and local authorities protect their communities as well as World Cup venues, players and attendees."

Security funds were due to host cities Jan. 30, but the Department of Homeland Security missed that deadline. Then the agency shut down due to a Congressional budget impasse over negotiations about putting guardrails on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The DHS shutdown exacerbated delays in the grant application review process, according to FEMA, resulting in the nearly three-month wait for funds to be administered.

The grants are not up-front payments, but rather a fund to reimburse cities for security costs.

FEMA also recently awarded $250 million to the states hosting World Cup matches through the Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems Grant Program, which helps local and state law enforcement monitor airspace.

“This funding will support safety and security efforts across World Cup venues, transportation hubs, and related infrastructure,” said Philadelphia Soccer 2026 spokesperson Melissa Ferdinand. “We remain committed to delivering a safe, secure, and memorable tournament for residents, fans, and our entire region.”

Before funds were guaranteed, host city officials warned that without security funding, many World Cup events would have to be canceled or scaled back.

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