This blog will provide an overview of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) recently announced the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup Grant Program (FWCGP) — a source of federal funding that will be provided to the 11 United States (US) cities hosting games in 2026 to carry out critical security preparations and activities. Below, we discuss key elements of the program while highlighting the services Hagerty provides to help host cities prepare for the World Cup.
Hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Next year, the US, Canada, and Mexico will co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup (World Cup) – the largest in event history. As many as 5 million are expected to travel to the US to attend 78 matches, with host cities expecting anywhere between 450,000 and 750,000 visitors. Due to the scale of these events, all 78 US-based matches are designated as Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) I and II events, presenting unique challenges for host city emergency managers and planners. Preparing for the World Cup will require extensive collaboration, planning, expertise, and resources to secure venues, transportation systems, and other critical infrastructure to ensure a safe and successful tournament.
FIFA World Cup Grant Program Overview
To aid US host cities with securing the games and protecting teams, support staff and attendees, FEMA announced the FIFA World Cup Grant Program (FWCGP). This grant will provide $625 million to support training and readiness exercises, planning, acquisition of necessary equipment, cybersecurity defense, and increased police and emergency response resources for FIFA venues, hotels, and transportation hubs. Under the program, grant recipients and subrecipients can use funds for security activities required to protect players, staff, attendees, venues, and critical infrastructure across the US host cities.
FIFA has established safety and security requirements that host cities must prioritize, including:
- Venue Security
- Transportation Safety
- Crowd Management
- Cybersecurity
- Emergency Response
- Command, Control, Communications, and Coordination (C4)
- Equipment and Consultant Procurement
Program Eligibility and Expectations
DHS and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have made grant funding applications available to nine governor-designated State Administrative Agencies (SAAs):
California, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, Missouri (on behalf of Missouri and Kansas), New Jersey (on behalf of New Jersey and New York), Pennsylvania, Texas, and Washington. Applications are due December 5 and must outline proposed investments, such as strategic focus areas; planned projects and subrecipients; anticipated use of funds; projected budgets; and identified capability gaps and outcomes.
Once awards are issued—anticipated by the end of January 2026—SAAs are required to pass 100 percent of funds to the 11 designated Host City Committee Task Forces within 45 days. The Task Forces will then issue subawards to eligible local government units and organizations.
Along with the FWCGP, DHS announced that a new Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) Grant Program, which will provide $250 million in Fiscal Year 2026 to nine host states and the National Capital Region for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and America 250. This funding is intended to help jurisdictions mitigate and counter the unlawful use of UAS during these high-profile events.
Understanding the Threat Environment
Successful special events, whether large public gatherings or high-visibility operations, require clear planning, coordinated partners, and strong operational readiness. Hagerty can help you navigate complex requirements, align stakeholders, and prepare for the risks that can disrupt events. Our team applies practical, multidisciplinary expertise to strengthen planning, decision-making, and response capabilities.
While US host cities are experienced with holding a variety of sporting events throughout the year, during the World Cup, activities and requirements go beyond the matches themselves. Host cities will also be expected to establish Fan Festivals and public viewing areas throughout the tournament while leading efforts to build community infrastructure. Therefore, these locations must be prepared to confront a range of potential threats and hazards that could pose safety and security risks. Through our experience supporting communities across the nation, Hagerty’s preparedness and response experts stand ready to assist host cities and surrounding jurisdictions with leveraging the resources under the FWCGP to manage the following risks:
- Civil Disruptions
- Complex Coordinated Terrorist Attacks (CCTA)
- Cyberattacks
- Extreme Weather and Heat Events
- UAS Incursions
- Vehicle Ramming
- Crowd Control and Stadium Safety
How Hagerty Supports Major Special Events
Hagerty recognizes the importance of enhancing community resilience, preparedness, and readiness to respond to emergencies during major sporting events. Our professionals have extensive experience bringing together venue operators, transportation authorities, public safety officials, and other community stakeholders in multi-jurisdictional environments to ensure success. Our firm stands ready to partner with host cities, their communities, and stakeholders to support preparedness, response, staff augmentation, and mitigation activities to ensure a safe and secure World Cup. Learn more about our special event capabilities to see how Hagerty can elevate your preparedness and response posture for high-profile events.