Pou Pressure Pays Off: DHS to Release World Cup Security Cash

WASHINGTON, DC - Congresswoman Nellie Pou (D-NJ-09), the Ranking Member of the House Homeland Security Task Force overseeing security preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, today celebrated the Trump administration's decision to finally release $625 million of World Cup security funding after a long delay. The funds were due on January 30 and had been held up without explanation by the Department of Homeland Security.

"FINALLY. Matches begin in less than 90 days. Congress passed this funding long in advance and officials needed this money months ago. So I'm glad to see DHS finally do the right thing and release these overdue funds," said Congresswoman Pou. "Our local law enforcement and public safety officials in North Jersey and other host cities are among the best in the country, but they need real aid to guarantee a safe tournament. We cannot allow mismanagement or incompetence to threaten years of careful preparation and imperil the security of the millions of visitors to the games. I am hopeful with this money released, host cities and law enforcement have what they need to make the 2026 World Cup a massive success. We cannot waste a once in-a-generation chance to show the best of America."

In an opinion piece at The Guardian just last week, Pou warned about "two critical threats" to the success of the upcoming World Cup: withheld security money and the activities of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE.

In an exchange on the social media platform X, Pou pushed backon a statement from former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Noem wrote in a post, "No funds have been awarded yet under the FIFA World Cup grant program. The longer DHS goes without funding, the less prepared our nation will be for threats at the FIFA World Cup and America 250." Pou replied on X, "This is simply not true. World Cup security funding was enacted into law last summer and these matches have been scheduled for years. DHS's own notice of funding opportunity for this grant program listed the anticipated award date as 'no later than January 30, 2026.' Well before the funding impasse. It's time for DHS to do its job."

Congresswoman Pou's district will host multiple FIFA World Cup matches, including the championship game. As Task Force Ranking Member, she has repeatedly warned that ICE enforcement actions and broader security gaps could jeopardize the tournament's success.

At an oversight hearing on February 10, in response to a direct question from Pou, the head of ICE refused to rule out enforcement activity at or around World Cup games this summer when questioned by Congresswoman Pou. Two days later, Pou led a letterwith her Task Force colleagues beseeching the Chairman to call an emergency hearing on ICE's impact on the coming World Cup.

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