Administration officials testified before Congress on Wednesday that the ongoing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown is creating a crisis in preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with critical staffing shortages and logistical disruptions threatening the event’s success. Christopher Tomney, the DHS director of the Office of Homeland Security Situational Awareness, told senators that the lack of funding has not only slowed federal coordination with state and local authorities but also led to the departure of hundreds of unpaid Transportation Security Officers. Tomney, who serves as the federal government’s senior coordinating official for the tournament, warned that the agency cannot replace this expertise overnight, leaving a gap in security operations for the high-stakes event.
The 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is set to draw millions of international fans to cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and Mexico City. However, the shutdown has created a “significant impact on our operations,” Tomney said, as DHS must manage its regular responsibilities in aviation security, border control, and emergency response while preparing for the tournament. FBI special agent Douglas Olson, who also testified, highlighted the growing threat of drones, noting that they are increasingly accessible and difficult to track. Olson emphasized that the federal government must address this risk to ensure the safety of fans and infrastructure during the event.
Senators from both parties pressed officials on how to balance security with the need for a “safe and welcoming” environment for international visitors. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Ala.), chair of the Senate Homeland Security funding panel, asked Tomney directly how the DHS shutdown has affected preparations. Tomney linked the funding lapse to broader strains within the department, which he said is already overburdened with responsibilities. Meanwhile, Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), chair of the Commerce-Justice-Science panel, questioned the administration’s efforts to reassure global audiences that the U.S. remains open to visitors. Commerce Department deputy assistant secretary Robert O’Leary responded by detailing partnerships with tourism groups and visa-processing agencies to ease travel, though Democrats argued that Trump’s policies—such as his rhetoric toward immigrants and foreign visitors—could still deter attendance.
Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) warned that Trump’s anti-immigration policies might “dampen enthusiasm” for the tournament, potentially reducing its economic benefits for host communities. Van Hollen also criticized the administration for failing to produce updated travel forecasts required by law, citing weaker-than-expected international tourism trends. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) echoed these concerns, linking declining Canadian tourism to Trump’s strained relationship with his northern neighbor. O’Leary defended the administration’s stance, saying the U.S. welcomes Canadian visitors, but Shaheen’s sharp retort—“Perhaps you should share that with President Trump”—highlighted the political tensions surrounding the event.