World Cup Security Preparations Behind Schedule Due to Delayed Federal Funding

Federal security funding worth $625 million for the upcoming World Cup was significantly delayed, putting U.S. preparations behind schedule. Intelligence reports warn of potential extremist threats and civil unrest targeting the international tournament.

Security preparations for this summer’s World Cup are running behind schedule after a months-long delay in releasing $625 million in federal security funding, according to intelligence briefings obtained by Reuters.

The briefings from federal agencies, state officials, and FIFA warn of potential threats from extremists and criminals who may target the massive sporting event. Officials expressed particular concern about possible attacks on transportation systems and civil unrest connected to President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement policies.

The World Cup will take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico during June and July, representing one of the world’s largest sporting events.

Law enforcement agencies have maintained heightened vigilance since the conflict with Iran began, raising additional worries about retaliatory actions during the tournament.

Security planners have grown increasingly concerned about the delayed distribution of federal grants that were approved as part of a Republican spending measure passed in July 2025. The Federal Emergency Management Agency had promised to distribute the funds by January 30 but only announced the awards this Wednesday after Reuters made inquiries about the delays.

FEMA stated the funding would “bolster security preparations” for the event.

With Mexico hosting the tournament’s opening matches on June 11, followed by games in the U.S. and Canada the next day, host cities are deep into their security planning phases. The funding delays have complicated an already challenging preparation process, according to multiple officials involved.

Mike Sena, who leads the National Fusion Center Association representing 80 intelligence-sharing centers nationwide, noted that grant distribution typically requires months, with technology and equipment purchases taking even longer.

“It will be extremely tight,” he said.

Intelligence documents reveal specific concerns about the tournament. A December 2025 New Jersey intelligence assessment examining threats to matches in the state, including the final game, highlighted recent domestic attacks, foiled terror plots, and increasing extremist messaging. The report also warned about potential spontaneous gatherings related to international tensions.

A separate September 2025 intelligence report described online content encouraging attacks on railroad systems during the World Cup, with posts stating there were “plenty of opportunities for us to knock it off the tracks” while specifically mentioning West Coast matches in the U.S. and Canada.

Democratic lawmakers have criticized outgoing Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem for the funding delays. Under her leadership, DHS previously withheld hundreds of millions in homeland security money from twelve Democratic-led states and Washington, D.C., while demanding increased immigration enforcement cooperation.

White House spokesperson Davis Ingle blamed Democrats for the delayed funding, citing disputes over immigration enforcement methods.

“The president is focused on making this the greatest World Cup ever while ensuring it is the safest and most secure in history,” Ingle stated. “The Democrats need to stop playing games.”

Trump’s immigration crackdown has already created uncertainty around the event and raised questions about Immigration and Customs Enforcement presence. Since Trump returned to office in January 2025, masked immigration agents have conducted raids in U.S. cities and detained some tourists at airports.

These actions have coincided with a decrease in international visitors to the U.S., according to Commerce Department statistics. However, early indicators suggest continued strong interest in flight bookings and tournament tickets.

A FIFA intelligence briefing from January 28 warned that anti-ICE protests in American cities responding to immigration enforcement could reduce barriers “to hostile actions by lone actors or extremist elements.”

Trump has implemented full or partial travel restrictions affecting nationals from more than three dozen countries, including Iran, which is discussing with FIFA the possibility of moving its matches to Mexico due to the current U.S.-Iran conflict. Three other qualifying nations whose fans face Trump’s travel bans are Haiti, Ivory Coast, and Senegal.

Security officials have identified “FIFA Fan Festival” events as particular areas of concern. These gatherings allow large crowds to watch matches together on outdoor screens.

A Fan Festival planned for Liberty State Park in Jersey City throughout the tournament was unexpectedly cancelled last month and replaced with smaller events. New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill explained that multiple smaller events would allow more area residents to participate in the experience. A source familiar with the planning confirmed that security concerns influenced the decision.

U.S. Representative Nellie Pou, a New Jersey Democrat whose district includes MetLife Stadium where World Cup matches will occur, compared each of the tournament’s 104 games to a Super Bowl in terms of security requirements.

“Local government, local law enforcement, will certainly have their hands full,” Pou said. “They need every single dollar that they are eligible to receive, and they need it now.”