White House Task Force official Andrew Giuliani warns that ongoing Department of Homeland Security funding gaps threaten the safety and operational readiness of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Key Points

• The 2026 World Cup, hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, begins in June and faces significant security risks without full DHS funding.
• Andrew Giuliani stated that the shutdown prevents essential tabletop security exercises and hinders the training of new TSA personnel.
• Officials anticipate double the volume of cyberattacks compared to the previous tournament, which saw billions of digital threats.
• DHS agencies, including the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and Customs and Border Protection, are critical to managing event logistics and border security.
• Prolonged funding delays may lead to staff attrition and operational gaps that could persist until May, even if a resolution is reached soon.

Why it Matters

The lack of consistent funding creates significant security vulnerabilities for a major international event that expects record-breaking travel numbers. Failure to resolve these budgetary issues could compromise public safety and disrupt the complex coordination required between federal agencies and global stakeholders.