World Cup fans caught in middle of DHS funding debate

the World Cup About 100 days after officially kicking off across North America, and for those traveling across the US to watch the games, the fight between Senate Democrats and the White House over funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is expected to make a major impact if the issue continues as is.

DHS has remained without funding for the past two weeks Negotiations between Democrats in the Senate President Trump’s administration has faltered. A White House official told Fox News Digital last week that a “serious” offer had been made to Senate Democrats, but nothing had been agreed upon. On Tuesday, Interior Secretary Kristi Noem faced questioning from the Senate Judiciary Committee.

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USA fans before the USA take on Jamaica during the first leg of the 2024 CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinals at City Park on November 18, 2024 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Bill Barrett/ISI Images/USSF/Getty Images for USSF)

However, the two sides appeared to remain at an impasse even as House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Los Angeles, called on Democrats to reach an agreement this week.

While the Department of Homeland Security has warned Americans of lone terrorist attacks in the United States due to the conflict in Iran, it is likely that World Cup fans looking to escape the political details for a month may be affected the most.

He managed Trump’s White House task force that was created to coordinate events with FIFA around the World Cup Outside DHSLeaving several U.S. host cities scheduled to hold critical matches without proper federal funding and potentially putting Americans and travelers at risk, a source familiar with the matter told Fox News Digital.

“Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be one of the greatest and most exciting events in human history, right here in the United States of America,” White House spokesman Davis Engel told Fox News Digital. “This event will generate billions of dollars in economic impact and create hundreds of thousands of jobs for our country. The President is focused on making this the greatest World Cup ever while ensuring it is the safest and most secure in history.

“Democrats need to stop playing games and end the DHS shutdown immediately, so the great American people can fully enjoy this historic World Cup experience.”

President Donald Trump receives the FIFA Peace Prize from FIFA President Gianni Infantino, during the official draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on December 5, 2025 in Washington, DC (Emily Chen/FIFA via Getty Images)

It’s not the only issue DHS faces related to the World Cup.

Important resources involved Putting up money To agencies under the administration of the Department of Homeland Security have also been affected.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has slowed in its ability to process payments to U.S. host cities for the FIFA World Cup Scholarship Program, Customs and Border Protection’s Global Entry Program services have been halted, which could cause headaches for those fans trying to ensure they enter the U.S. without issue, and interagency training exercises to ensure the safety of World Cup attendees may be halted until funding arrives, the source said.

“DHS is integral to delivering a safe, secure and successful World Cup,” Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House Task Force on the 2026 World Cup, told Fox News Digital. “From protecting America’s air sovereignty to keeping our cities safe, DHS brings together intelligence, border security, emergency management and coordination with state and local law enforcement across the country.

Fans hold the American flag before the 2024 CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinal second leg between Jamaica and the United States at City Park on November 18, 2024 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Joe Boetz/ISI Images/Getty Images)

“It is time for Democrats to end the shutdown so DHS can continue its critical mission of protecting the American people and making sure every person who comes here for the World Cup can do so safely and securely.”

Senior Republican officials have also spoken publicly about the stalemate.

“As threats increase and we prepare for major global events on American soil this summer and the midterm elections this fall, thousands of employees at agencies like TSA, CISA, and FEMA continue to show up every day to keep their American citizens safe, but they are working without pay,” said House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Rep. Andrew Garbarino, R-N.Y. “The operational disruptions caused by the closure have the potential to undermine the security of our critical infrastructure and transportation systems, while continued financial uncertainty for staff threatens to cause long-term damage to the Department as a whole.

The 2026 World Cup is in 100 days! Here’s what you should know

“World Cup and law enforcement stakeholders testified before the committee last week, warning that delays in federal funding could seriously undermine planning and preparation for the largest sporting event in history. The House has done its job to avoid this unnecessary funding shortfall for the Department of Homeland Security by passing the bipartisan Fiscal Year 2026 DHS appropriations bill. Because of Democrats’ policy decision, our homeland is more vulnerable to threats — and that is a risk we cannot accept.”

Rep. Mike McCaul, R-Texas, leaves the chamber after the House failed to elect a new Speaker of the House in the first round of votes at the U.S. Capitol on October 17, 2023. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Texas Republican Rep. Michael McCaul, chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee’s task force on securing the homeland amid special events, called on Democrats to put the safety of Americans first.

“With the first FIFA World Cup match just 100 days away, it is time to urgently secure stadiums, counter drone threats, and coordinate law enforcement activities,” McCall said. “Instead, the Democrats’ shutdown has put many of these vital preparations on pause, putting the safety of millions of Americans and international visitors at risk. In today’s high threat environment, the stakes are simply too high for partisan games.”

Sens. Eric Schmidt, R-Mo., and Rick Scott, R-Fla., echoed the call for an end to “political games” over the funding debate.

Democrats have refused to change their positions on DHS funding until changes are made to Trump’s immigration strategy. The joint military operation between the United States and Israel in Iran does not appear to mitigate their demands.

Sen. Dick Durbin, Democrat of Illinois, was among those who rejected Republican demands.

“We have given Republicans fair warning that we are serious about reining in what ICE is doing. What we are talking about is who is responsible.” Politico said.

“It’s very easy for them to get all this funding, simply agreeing to our common-sense proposals on ICE and Border Patrol,” the Republican senator said. Chuck SchumerDN.Y., Tuesday. “In terms of our negotiations, look, we are still far apart.”

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., hold a joint news conference at the U.S. Capitol on January 8, 2026. (Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)

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At this point, football fans may have to brace themselves for a brutal summer slide as the debate continues between both sides of the aisle.

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