Dhs Signs Off On World Cup Security Funding A Day After Trump-infantino Meeting

U.S. host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup learned Wednesday that a major bureaucratic hurdle, which was holding up hundreds of millions of dollars in federal security funding, had been cleared.

The welcomed development came one day after FIFA President Gianni Infantino met with President Donald Trump and White House FIFA World Cup Task Force executive director Andrew Giuliani at the White House.

During a call with the White House FIFA World Cup Task Force, Giuliani told host city officials that the Department of Homeland Security has signed off on security grants tied to the tournament, according to two people familiar with the call, granted anonymity to discuss details. The update means cities can count on receiving their share of $625 million in federal security funding allocated for the event.

DHS did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Congress, with President Donald Trump’s backing, included the money for World Cup security in last year’s sweeping GOP megabill – but the grants had been held up because of what was described as an“administrative delay.” 

For local organizers, the news that the funds had been approved marked a significant breakthrough after months of uncertainty about whether the money would arrive.

Host city officials had previously pressed the administration for answers during a February call with the task force. On that call, city leaders sought clarity about the long-promised grants and warned that delays were complicating security planning for the massive international tournament.

The funding is intended to help cities cover the extraordinary law enforcement and public safety costs associated with hosting matches for the tournament, which the United States will co-host with Canada and Mexico.“Under President Trump’s bold leadership, America is setting a new standard for global events,” Giuliani said in a statement. “The upcoming World Cup will not only be the largest ever, but thanks to our unwavering commitment to safety and security, it will also be the safest—showcasing America’s ability to lead and inspire on the world stage.”

The timing of the funding update also comes as Iran’s participation in the World Cup remains in limbo.

FIFA requested the Tuesday meeting with Trump after the president told POLITICO in an interview, “I really don’t care” whether Iran’s national team competes in the World Cup — a remark that raised concerns for the soccer governing body, according to one of the people.Coming out of his meeting with Trump, Infantino quickly posted that Trump had reiterated that the Iranian team was welcome to come.

But Trump struck a different tone Wednesday, saying it would be inappropriate for Iran to participate in the tournament “for their own life and safety” even if it is welcome.