Texas awards $116M in public safety grants for 2026 FIFA World Cup security
AUSTIN, Texas - Just months before the kickoff to the FIFA World Cup, the Texas Governor announced that his Public Safety Office (PSO) has awarded $116 million in grants to Texas' World Cup host cities.
$116 million FIFA World Cup grant
What we know:
Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced the $116 million FIFA Public Safety Grants in a news release, stating the funds are intended to provide additional safety personnel and equipment for security measures associated with the FIFA World Cup events.
The FIFA World Cup Grant Program (FWCGP) was initially established under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, providing $625 million in funding to host cities through designated State Administrative Agencies (SAAs).
Strengthening security for Houston, North Texas host cities
Big picture view:
This standalone grant program supports the safe execution of the largest sporting event in history, co-hosted with Canada and Mexico, which is expected to attract over five million international visitors and generate tens of billions of dollars in economic activity across 11 U.S. host cities over 38 days.
Dallas police to use $22M federal grant for World Cup staffing and equipment
The Dallas Police Department is getting a funding boost to help with the huge task of ensuring the safety of hundreds of thousands of international visitors for this year’s World Cup.
Federal and state coordination
Dig deeper:
The FIFA World Cup Grant Program (FWCGP) helps host cities strengthen security and emergency preparedness through targeted funding. The program supports planning efforts like risk assessments, operational protocols, and continuity plans, as well as coordination between public and private partners to improve situational awareness.
Funding can also be used for operational needs, including overtime for security, intelligence sharing, and event-related deployments across venues, transportation hubs, and public spaces.
Preparing for international visitors
What they're saying:
"The FIFA World Cup coming to Texas gives our state a premier opportunity to showcase all it has to offer," said Governor Abbott.
"These public safety grants will help ensure that travelers visiting and traveling throughout Texas can enjoy our great state safely, will bolster Texas' efforts to combat crime, and help prevent potential acts of violence. I thank our partners in the Trump Administration for helping prioritize the safety of our fellow Americans."
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FIFA World Cup 2026: Houston to receive nearly $10M to enhance public transportation
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What's next:
The funding will allow recipients to carry out the extensive security activities to help assist Texas in hosting the massive worldwide spectacle.
The Source: Information in this article was provided by the Texas Governor's Office and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.