Extremists could target World Cup, intelligence officials warn as security funding stalls

World Cup host cities issue warning over security

The FIFA World Cup is just over 100 days away, but host cities are warning Congress that they’re not ready from a security standpoint. LiveNOW’s Andy Mac spoke about the security concerns, and funding shortfall with FOX News multimedia reporter Sarah Alegre.

The U.S. intelligence community has warned FIFA and other World Cup organizers of the potential for extremists and criminals at the world’s largest sporting event. 

Here’s what we know: 

Potential threats

What they're saying:

Intelligence briefings reviewed by Reuters highlight the risk for attacks on critical transportation infrastructure, along with retaliatory threats linked to the war against Iran. 

RELATED: Iran wants to move its World Cup matches from US to Mexico

They also point to potential civil unrest from President Trump’s aggressive immigration enforcement. 

FIFA World Cup Trophy is displayed during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Draw at John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on December 05, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mandel NGAN - Pool/Getty Images)

In a FIFA briefing from January, analysts warned that anti-ICE protests in U.S. host cities could incite "hostile actions by lone actors or extremist elements."

A September intelligence report outlined online posts encouraging attacks on U.S. railroads during World Cup matches, while another report from New Jersey flagged the abundance of extremist propaganda online. 

RELATED: ICE says it will play a 'key part' in security for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the US: Report

Several World Cup and state officials told Reuters that "FIFA Fan Festival" events, where crowds can gather to watch matches on a big screen, are a particular concern. 

Federal funding stalled

Dig deeper:

The heightened security risks come as World Cup organizers raise concerns over a stalled $625 million in FEMA grants to bolster security ahead of the U.S. matches. 

The funds were awarded March 18 after Reuters inquired about the money, but organizers said distributing the money takes months, and the funding lapse has caused World Cup preparations to fall behind.

"It will be extremely tight," said Mike Sena, president of the National Fusion Center Association, which represents a network of 80 information centers across the U.S. 

U.S. Rep. Nellie Pou, a New Jersey Democrat whose district includes MetLife Stadium, compared each of the World Cup's 104 matches to a Super Bowl.

"Local government, local law enforcement, will ​certainly have their hands full," Pou told Reuters. "They need every single dollar that they are eligible to receive, and they need it now."

RELATED: 2026 FIFA World Cup 100 days away: What to know before kickoff!

When is the World Cup? 

Timeline:

The World Cup kicks off June 11 in Mexico City, with 48 teams competing in matches in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. The first World Cup match in the U.S. will take place June 12 in Los Angeles. The World Cup final will be held July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.