Dallas will receive more than $51.5 million in federal funding to help cover public-safety costs tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, money local officials had been awaiting as North Texas prepares to play a key role in the international tournament.
The award, announced Wednesday, is part of a $625 million federal grant program for the 11 U.S. host cities. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the money will help state and local officials prepare for the tournament through security drills, background checks, stronger cybersecurity and increased police and emergency response at FIFA venues.
Elected leaders and Dallas officials welcomed the money. Dallas police said in a statement the funding would strengthen security operations and bolster the department’s ability to protect residents and visitors as North Texas prepares for millions of soccer fans.
“As one of the premier host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Dallas is ready to take the global stage,” Dallas police Chief Daniel Comeaux said in the statement. “This funding is a critical investment in public safety and ensures we have the resources, training and coordination in place to deliver a secure and successful event.”
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Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, Dallas police Chief Daniel Comeaux and Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson take part in a roundtable discussion about security preparations for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup in North Texas, on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, at Dallas police headquarters.
Shafkat Anowar / Staff Photographer
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The announcement comes as North Texas prepares to host nine matches at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, including a semifinal. Dallas will host the official FIFA Fan Festival at Fair Park and serve as home to the tournament’s International Broadcast Center and Tournament Operations Center at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center.
It is not yet clear exactly how the money will be spent. A city of Dallas spokesperson referred questions to the North Texas FWC Organizing Committee, the regional group helping coordinate World Cup planning for Dallas and Arlington. Joe Trahan, a committee spokesperson, did not address questions about what comes next.
The money is being distributed through FEMA, part of the Department of Homeland Security, which has been ensnared in a partial government shutdown amid a political fight in Washington over immigration enforcement.
In a news release announcing the award, FEMA said work on the grant program was “significantly impacted” by three funding lapses that left the agency operating with limited staff and resources.
Even so, FEMA said it completed its review of applications, calling the effort a “testament to the Trump Administration’s commitment to getting resources into the hands of law enforcement.”
A 2026 FIFA World Cup soccer ball was displayed at the North Texas FWC Organizing Committee official draw and match schedule reveal news conference at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Dec. 9, 2025.
Tom Fox / Staff Photographer
Houston, the other host city in Texas, is set to receive more than $64.6 million through the grant program. The city is scheduled to host seven matches, including two knockout-stage games.
The other host city committees receiving funding are in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, Atlanta, Boston, Kansas City, Philadelphia and Seattle. A joint committee representing New York and New Jersey is also receiving money.
U.S. Sen. John Cornyn was among those celebrating the award. In January, the Republican senator joined Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson and Comeaux to tout the collaboration among public safety agencies ahead of the tournament.
Cornyn said in a statement Friday he was proud to work with the Trump administration to secure the funding.
“These critical resources will improve law enforcement’s ability to manage crowds, identify potential threats and respond quickly in emergencies to keep fans, visitors, and athletes safe,” he said.