Key Takeaways
- •Congress has appropriated $625 million in FEMA grants and $250 million for counter-drone technology to secure 11 host cities during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
- •Chris Tomney (Director for the Office of Homeland Security Situational Awareness, DHS) warned that the ongoing Department of Homeland Security shutdown has significantly hampered interagency coordination and security planning.
- •Sen. Van Hollen (D-MD) pressed Robert O'Leary (Deputy Assistant Secretary for Travel and Tourism, International Trade Administration) on declining tourism numbers and the impact of administration immigration rhetoric.
- •Republicans focused on the logistical complexities of securing multiple venues simultaneously, while Democrats expressed concern that mass deportation policies and visa restrictions would discourage international soccer fans.
- •The subcommittee moved to a classified session to discuss specific threats, including counter-drone capabilities and cyber vulnerabilities, as agencies finalize a common operating picture for the tournament.
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Hearing Analysis
Overview
This hearing addressed the multi-agency federal preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, an event expected to draw up to six million fans across 11 U.S. host cities. The discussion focused on the intersection of national security, international diplomacy, and economic development, highlighting the challenges of coordinating a "whole-of-government" response to an event of unprecedented scale. Lawmakers examined how federal agencies are supporting local law enforcement, managing visa processing for international visitors, and mitigating emerging threats such as cyberattacks and unauthorized drone activity.
Key Testimony & Policy
Robert O'Leary, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Travel and Tourism at the International Trade Administration (ITA), testified on the significant economic stakes, noting that the tournament is projected to contribute over $17 billion to the U.S. Gross Domestic Product. He highlighted the National Travel and Tourism Office’s (NTTO) efforts to track international spending and the implementation of the "FIFA Pass," a priority visa scheduling system designed to expedite entry for ticket holders. O'Leary noted that visa wait times in 72 countries have been reduced to under 60 days, a critical metric for ensuring the event's accessibility to global fans.
Admiral Chris Tomney, Director of the Office of Homeland Security Situational Awareness at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), detailed the operational framework of the White House Task Force on FIFA World Cup 2026, established under Executive Order 14234. He explained the Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) system, which dictates the level of federal support provided to host cities. Tomney confirmed that Congress has appropriated $625 million in FEMA grant funding to defray security costs for the 11 host cities, along with $250 million specifically for counter-unmanned aerial systems (UAS) technology.
Douglas Olson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Portland Field Office, focused on the Bureau's role in intelligence and threat mitigation. He highlighted the establishment of the National Counter-UAS Training Center (nCUTC) at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama, which is certifying state and local law enforcement in drone detection and mitigation. Olson also discussed the International Police Coordination Center, a multi-agency hub designed to facilitate real-time information sharing with foreign law enforcement partners during the 39-day tournament.
Notable Exchanges & Partisan Dynamics
A significant portion of the hearing involved sharp partisan disagreements regarding the impact of administration policies on international tourism. Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) criticized the Trump administration’s immigration rhetoric and travel bans, arguing that "suited and booted" messaging from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the expansion of travel restrictions to 39 countries—including Haiti—could chill fan attendance. He pointed to the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup as a "failed dress rehearsal" where stadiums were only 57 percent full. In response, Robert O'Leary defended the administration’s record, citing a 3.5 percent increase in international travel in March 2026 and emphasizing the President’s personal role in securing the games.
The ongoing DHS shutdown was another point of contention. Sen. Katie Boyd Britt (R-AL) and Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS) expressed concern over how the lapse in appropriations hindered planning. Admiral Tomney testified that the shutdown had "significantly impacted" operations, leading to the loss of hundreds of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers and delaying the release of critical security funds. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) specifically questioned the "administrative delays" in releasing the $625 million in security grants, which Tomney attributed to the furlough of personnel during the funding lapse.
Sen. Gary C. Peters (D-MI) raised concerns about cybersecurity, noting that the 2022 World Cup in Qatar faced billions of hacking attempts. He questioned whether the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) was sufficiently resourced to protect host city infrastructure following budget cuts. Admiral Tomney acknowledged the severity of the cyber threat but deferred specific mitigation details to a subsequent classified session.
Organizations Mentioned
- **Department of Homeland Security (DHS):** Serves as the lead agency for the White House Task Force, coordinating security, visa processing, and federal resource allocation across its various components. - **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI):** Manages the Intelligence Coordination Center and the International Police Coordination Center to monitor global threats and vet individuals seeking accredited access to venues. - **Department of Commerce (Commerce):** Through the ITA and NTTO, this agency is responsible for maximizing the $17 billion economic impact and promoting the U.S. as a premier travel destination. - **Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA):** The international governing body for soccer, which is collaborating with the FBI on personnel vetting and was criticized by some members for high ticket prices and corruption. - **Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA):** Administers the $625 million in grant funding provided to host cities to cover the costs of local law enforcement and emergency services. - **U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP):** Tasked with facilitating the entry of millions of international fans while maintaining border security and managing the "CBP Welcomes to FIFA World Cup" information portal. - **Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA):** Responsible for hardening the digital infrastructure of host cities against the "billions" of anticipated cyberattacks. - **International Trade Administration (ITA):** Leads the federal effort to support the travel and tourism industry and measure the economic outcomes of the tournament.
What's Next
Following the public hearing, the subcommittee moved into a classified session to discuss specific intelligence regarding counter-drone capabilities and cyber threat assessments. Witnesses were requested to provide written responses to additional member questions within 30 days. Lawmakers, particularly Sen. Gary C. Peters (D-MI), indicated they would continue to press for a full bipartisan briefing for the Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee to ensure the "whole-of-government" approach is effectively closing security gaps at the local level.
Transcript
Good morning. I call this hearing to order. I just left my colleague Senator Britt in the Judiciary Committee meeting as she is asking questions and then coming here and our Democratic colleagues are expected momentarily. But to get started I want to express my colleagues to my colleagues gratitude for agreeing to have this hearing and to bring two subcommittees, two Appropriations subcommittees together on an issue that set of issues that I think are really important. And so thanks to my colleagues Chairwoman Britt and to my ranking member Senator Van Hollen and ranking member Senator Murphy for agreeing, supporting and here by their presence today or soon to be their presence today an opportunity to help us discuss how we better prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. I also thank our witnesses today. We have Deputy Assistant Secretary Robert O'Leary, Admiral Chris Tomney, Tomney and Special Agent in Charge Douglas Olson for their presence and for their continued work to support the efforts of the World Cup in the United States of America. World Cup will be one of the largest global events ever hosted in the United States with an estimated 5 to 6 million fans across 11 host cities with significant spillover into surrounding communities and states as visitors travel throughout our country. The games are significant opportunity to showcase American leadership, hospitality and coordination and but it's also presents a complex set of security and logistical challenges that demand oversight. I've convened we're convening this hearing because the successful execution of the World Cup will depend on close coordination across the federal government including the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Commerce and the Department of Justice. DHS is leading the White House Task Force on FIFA World Cup 2026 which since its establishment last year has overseen many of the operational and interagency coordination efforts ahead of these games. At the same time DOJ through the FBI will play a central role in intelligence, counterterrorism and crisis response. Ensuring that these efforts are aligned, resourced and clearly communicated across all levels of government is critical to supporting players, visitors and host cities. The Department of Commerce through the International Trade Administration is our nation's lead federal agency on matters related to travel and tourism. For Kansas this effort is especially meaningful. Kansas City will host I should say for Kansas and Missouri that's not my usual salutation but for Kansas and Missouri this effort will be especially meaningful. Kansas City will host multiple matches for four teams. England, Argentina, Algeria and the Netherlands are expected to base camp or stay in Kansas or the Kansas City region bringing an estimated 650,000 visitors. This level of activity will place significant demands on local law enforcement, emergency management, infrastructure. Federal planning must reflect not only the needs of the largest host city but communities like Kansas City. At the same time this presents significant opportunities for Kansas City and Kansas for businesses and for broader travel and tourism economy. Hotels, restaurants, small businesses, local attractions will all play a role in welcoming visitors from around the globe. I'm particularly interested in how the Department of Commerce and the International Trade Administration are working to support host cities and maximizing these economic benefits both by promoting the United States as a destination and ensuring our communities like Kansas City are prepared to meet the demands of increased travel and tourism. Congress has already taken steps to support these efforts including providing $625 million in dedicated funding to support host cities. As planning continues it's our responsibility to ensure these resources are being deployed effectively, that coordination across the jurisdictions is seamless and that host city communities not just the designated cities like Kansas City but surrounding towns Lawrence and Prairie Village and others are equipped and left with a lasting benefit from the games. This is an important moment in our country's history. It is an opportunity to demonstrate the strength of our coordination at every level of government and across agencies from federal partners and state and local law enforcement. The way the FBI works alongside the police chief of Kansas City is exactly the kind of collaboration that will define our success. It's also a moment not just for the nation as a whole but for host cities and surrounding communities and small towns to welcome the world. And it is an opportunity to take pride in the safety and security we provide and to showcase the very best of United States on a global stage. I now recognize the Chairwoman and thank her for her cooperation in this joint hearing this morning Chairwoman Britt.
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