Task Force Chairman McCaul Celebrates Start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup

WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) - chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security's bipartisan Task Force on Enhancing Security for Special Events in the United States - released the following statement to mark the beginning of the 2026 FIFA World Cup:

"Today is a proud day for our nation, as the FIFA World Cup kicks off and the United States prepares to host the tournament for the first time in 30 years," said Chairman McCaul. "Over the past several months, this task force has carried out crucial work - conducting hearings with expert witnesses, successfully pushing for host cities to receive security grants, and spearheading critical counter-drone legislation - to ​ensure top-notch security at these games and future events on American soil. As millions of fans gather to cheer on their favorite teams, coordination between the federal government, state and local officials, law enforcement agencies, emergency management entities, and private-sector partners will remain essential in the weeks ahead. I look forward to our continued work with the White House FIFA Task Force and all relevant stakeholders to ensure host cities, athletes, and fans can safely enjoy the sport that has brought us all together."

Background:

Since it was established in May 2025, the Task Force on Enhancing Security for Special Events in the United States has worked diligently to enhance security at upcoming events on U.S. soil, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

So far, the task force has:

• Conducted site visits to Audi Field and MetLife Stadium to assess security preparations;
• Successfully pushed for the passage and disbursement of $625 million to FIFA World Cup host cities for security enhancements and $500 million to state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement for improving their ability to detect and address drone threats;
• Held multiple task force meetings, includingan inaugural hearing to assess historical security incidents at mass gatherings, a second hearingto assess efforts to prevent and combat human trafficking at these events, and a roundtable with representatives from FIFA and the Los Angeles Organizing Committee for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games (LA28).

Chairman McCaul also penned an op-ed for the Washington Times and joined the "Threat Status" podcast to highlight the security challenges of mass-spectator events and how previous attacks at mass-gatherings should serve as a wake-up call for the United States as the nation prepares to welcome millions of visitors.