Federal officials are handing out more than $100 million in transit improvement grants to cities hosting FIFA World Cup matches later this summer.
The United States is co-hosting the 2026 World Cup along with Mexico and Canada, with games among the 48 participating teams set for June 11 to July 19. Atlanta, Miami, Los Angeles, Kansas City, Missouri, and Dallas are among the U.S host cities, with the July 19 final played at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Federal officials said the grants will help American cities put their best foot forward in hosting World Cup tourists. Cities can use the grants for everything from buying additional buses to providing transportation assistance for disabled visitors and express shuttle service to fans. Congress approved funding for the grants in February.
FIFA estimates that 5 million people will attend at least one of the tournament’s 104 matches in what they say will be the biggest sporting event in history. Some U.S.-based civil rights groups have discouraged international tourists from attending, particularly in Florida, over concerns about aggressive immigration enforcement by the Trump administration, largely aimed at people from countries in South America and Africa.
“This funding is about more than moving fans ‒ it’s about preparing our communities to host the largest sporting event in history and ensuring the world sees America at its best,” Andrew Giuliani, the executive director of the White House FIFA task force, said in a statement. “These investments will help create lasting memories for visitors and residents alike, and reinforce our commitment to safety, hospitality, and operational excellence.”
The games come amid international turmoil following the United States’ detention of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in early January, followed by Feb. 28 airstrikes against Iran. Though Venezuela’s team failed to qualify for the tournament, Iran did.
The American military actions come against the backdrop of tough immigration enforcement unleashed by President Donald Trump, including significant restrictions on issuing visas for people from 75 countries. But federal officials are also offering an expedited visa-interview process for people coming to the United States to watch the games.
“We’re proud to partner with host cities to provide fans with a seamless travel experience that will be part of the memories they cherish from attending these historic games,” Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said in a statement.
Tickets for the games can cost thousands of dollars, depending on which countries are playing. FIFA has not yet sold out of tickets for the games, and a new batch of tickets goes on sale in April. Trump’s domestic and international policies are affecting tourism to the United States, and some experts have warned that World Cup attendance may not be as strong as it could be as a result.
Though tourism worldwide grew in 2025, the United States was the only major country to experience a decline in foreign visitors, with a 6% drop in people costing the economy $19 billion, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council. Those declines continued in January, the group said.