Funding lapse delayed World Cup security preparations

The Secretary of Homeland Security warned on Saturday that security preparations for the upcoming FIFA World Cup have been significantly set back by a prolonged federal funding lapse, creating last-minute challenges for one of the largest sporting events ever hosted in the United States.

Speaking at a press conference in Kansas City, Missouri, Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated that a 76-day shutdown of his department, which ended in late April, disrupted critical planning and staffing. He said the department could still deliver security for the tournament but acknowledged officials had not been able to be as proactive as needed. The first U.S. match is scheduled for Los Angeles on June 12, with Kansas City set to host six games beginning June 16.

Mullin said the funding lapse complicated contracts and logistics for housing personnel and stalled reimbursements to local law enforcement agencies assisting with security planning for months. He also cited severe staffing impacts, noting that the Transportation Security Administration lost hundreds of agents during the shutdown and that the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency saw a third of its staff leave. These...