Sen. Moran Requests DHS Provide an Update on Preparations & Security Plans for 2026 FIFA World Cup

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) - chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, and Science - today requested that Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin provide an update on the department's security preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Kansas City this summer and other upcoming global sporting events across the United States. Specifically, Sen. Moran asked for clarity on the benchmarks being used to assess host cities' resources and preparedness in advance of the events, how DHS is coordinating with other federal, state and local agencies, and what special designations have been assigned to host cities to support their response capabilities.

"These moments present an extraordinary opportunity to showcase American leadership, hospitality, and security coordination on the world stage," wrote Sen. Moran. "I am encouraged by the work underway across DHS components and with federal, state, and local partners to ensure these events are safe and successful. At the same time, given the scale of these events and the evolving threat environment in the United States, I would appreciate additional clarity on how the Department is approaching preparedness, coordination, and support for all host cities as preparations accelerate."

Items to note:

• Last April, Sen. Moran introduced legislation that would provide federal funding for local communities to transport fans, workers and goods safely and efficiently during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
  
  
• As part of the reconciliation legislation enacted last year, Sen. Moran helped secure $59.5 million for state and local municipalities in the Kansas City region to assist with the safety and security of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
  
  
• In August 2024, Sen. Moran led 19 of his colleagues in calling on the administration to establish a White House Task Force in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
  
  

Full text of the letter can be found here and below.

Dear Secretary Mullin:

Congratulations on your confirmation as Secretary of Homeland Security. I look forward to continuing our work together in your new role and appreciate your leadership in strengthening the Department and advancing its mission on behalf of those who carry it out every day.

I write to express my continued support for the Department of Homeland Security's efforts to prepare for the upcoming global sporting events that will bring millions of visitors, athletes, and dignitaries to communities across the United States, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As I have noted in previous correspondence regarding major international events hosted by our country, these moments present an extraordinary opportunity to showcase American leadership, hospitality, and security coordination on the world stage.

I am encouraged by the work underway across DHS components and with federal, state, and local partners to ensure these events are safe and successful. At the same time, given the scale of these events and the evolving threat environment in the United States, I would appreciate additional clarity on how the Department is approaching preparedness, coordination, and support for all host cities as preparations accelerate.

Specifically, I would welcome the Department's perspective on the following issues:

1. How is DHS assessing readiness across multiple host cities, and what benchmarks are being used to evaluate whether federal, state, and local partners are adequately resourced and prepared in advance of the events?
   
   
2. How is DHS facilitating timely intelligence sharing and operational coordination between host cities, particularly where threats, trends, or lessons learned in one jurisdiction may have relevance to others? What mechanisms are in place to ensure consistent and interoperable communication among federal agencies and local law enforcement partners before and during the events?
   
   
3. How is DHS coordinating with other federal departments, including the Department of Justice and the intelligence community, to ensure unity across the federal government?
   
   
4. Beyond the events themselves, how is DHS thinking about leaving host communities better positioned for future large-scale events and ongoing public safety challenges, particularly with respect to training, technology, and interagency relationships?
   
   
5. How is DHS engaging governors, mayors, and local law enforcement leadership to maintain clear lines of responsibility and communication throughout planning and execution?
   
   
6. Which cities, if any, are designated as National Special Security Events (NSSEs)?
   
   
7. Is DHS coordinating with governors on their activation of Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) agreements with other states to ensure host cities have prepositioned personnel, equipment, resources, and incident response capabilities? If EMACs are activated, is DHS postured under a potential Presidential declaration to reimburse states for their civil support should they seek federal reimbursement?
   
   
8. For host cities and states serving as base camps to four or more teams and their collective fan bases, how is DHS evaluating and delivering additional resources to account for the significantly increased security presence and operational demands associated with that concentration of visitors?

I look forward to continued collaboration to ensure the success of these events. Thank you for your attention to these important matters. I would welcome a briefing from your team at your convenience.

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