Houston law enforcement say they're ready for the World Cup
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Chris Canetti speaks at a press conference with U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas). Photo: Shafaq Patel/Axios
Houston has secured $64.7 million in federal funds for 2026 FIFA World Cup security plans, and local officials say the city is ready and confident with the security measures that will be in place.
Why it matters: Houston expects roughly 500,000 visitors for seven matches at NRG Stadium, plus a 39-day Fan Fest in East Downtown, all starting in about two months.
- "It's going to be the largest sporting event of all time... Safety and security is the number one priority," says Chris Canetti, president of the Houston World Cup host committee. "If we don't have a safe event, then really nothing else matters."
Driving the news: Houston received funding through FEMA's FIFA World Cup Grant Program, part of a $625 million pool being distributed to the 11 U.S. host cities for security.
By the numbers: About 90% of the funding will go toward operations, including police and fire staffing and overtime, Tommy Calabro, chief safety and security officer for the Houston host committee, said at a press conference this week.
- And roughly 10% will cover equipment, such as EMS supplies and barricades.
What they're saying: "We are fully funded. We're all set," Canetti said, adding that the funding is enough to cover the city's security plan for the event.
Between the lines: Houston Police Department Assistant Chief Megan Howard said planning for World Cup public safety has been underway for more than two years and is still being refined.
- She noted that this event is different from past major events Houston has hosted because it stretches over about 40 days, which raises concerns about officer safety and fatigue and increases the overall operational burden.
- "By the time we are ready for go live … it's going to be a nice cinched-up shoelace," she said at the press event.
Zoom in: Federal agencies — including the FBI, Department of Homeland Security and Secret Service — are coordinating with local and regional partners, including the Harris County Sports & Convention Corporation and NRG Park officials.
Zoom out: Separately, Houston received an additional $9.1 million from the Federal Transit Administration for public transit ahead of the matches.
What's next: Houston's first match is on June 14 between Germany and Curaçao.