We're hosting the world at FIFA '26 but wait for Washington The 2026 FIFA World Cup, the largest sporting event in the world, is set to begin in just three months, with matches spanning mid-June through early July. The tournament will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, featuring 16 metropolitan areas as host cities. New Jersey, alongside New York City, will host several matches, including the final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford on July 19. The event is expected to draw millions of fans to North American venues, but security concerns loom large, especially amid global instability, including recent U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran. Security has become a critical priority, particularly in the New York-New Jersey region, which has faced significant threats since the Sept. 11 attacks. With the tournament starting in less than 90 days, officials argue that federal funding and planning should already be in place to ensure safety. However, delays in securing resources have raised alarms. Rep. Nellie Pou, a Democrat representing New Jersey’s 9th Congressional District, highlighted that $625 million in federal security funds for World Cup venues has not yet been distributed by the Department of Homeland Security. Of this, $70 million is allocated to New Jersey and New York, but host cities remain in limbo. Pou, who chairs the House Homeland Security Task Force overseeing World Cup security, criticized the lack of clear guidance from DHS. She emphasized that local governments and law enforcement agencies need the funds immediately to cover overtime costs, purchase security equipment, and establish safety protocols. “It’s been held and, in my opinion, it’s been politicized,” she said. “Local government and law enforcement need this money, and they need it now.#united_states #new_jersey #canada #mexico #fifa_26
