Press Release  Massachusetts Awarded More Than $46 Million for World Cup Security

Braintree — The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced that Massachusetts has been awarded more than $46 million in federal funding to support public safety and security planning for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including related events, venues, and transportation infrastructure. Funding will support preparedness efforts across state agencies, local communities and the event’s host committee.

The funding, totaling $46,053,187, was awarded through the FIFA World Cup Grant Program. Five state agencies, four cities and towns and the event’s host committee will receive the grants to support security planning, staffing, training and coordination efforts associated with World Cup Matches and surrounding events throughout Massachusetts.

Grant funds were awarded to the Office of Grants and Research (OGR), an agency that is part of the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS). As the State Administrative Agency for homeland security grant funds awarded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), OGR was the only agency authorized to apply for World Cup security funding on behalf of Massachusetts.

“Massachusetts can’t wait to welcome visitors from across the country and the world to the FIFA World Cup,” said Governor Maura Healey. “These funds will help us address logistical and safety needs at event sites, travel hubs and surrounding areas so that everyone can enjoy these events safely.”

“This summer’s World Cup games will be exciting events not only for sports fans, but for the state as a whole as we show off all that Massachusetts has to offer,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “These events will impact not only venue sites, but also surrounding cities where visitors stay in hotels, dine in restaurants and shop in our communities. These grants provide communities resources to ensure the safety of visitors and community members throughout these events.”

“Massachusetts is preparing to safely host the FIFA World Cup through one of the most extensive and coordinated public safety efforts in our state’s history,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Gina Kwon. “This federal funding is vital to our homeland security mission and will strengthen planning, training, staffing, and coordination across emergency management, law enforcement, transportation, cybersecurity, public health, and other critical functions. State, local, federal, and private-sector partners are working together to ensure residents, visitors, and fans can safely enjoy this global event.”

“These grants will help ensure sufficient training, staffing and resources to keep those attending the World Cup games and events safe,” said OGR Executive Director Kevin Stanton. “As we look forward to welcoming visitors from across the world this summer, we remain committed to working with our partners to create a secure environment for all to enjoy these events.”

As required by federal law, the funding will be administered by the World Cup Host City Committee Task Force, Boston 26. In addition to managing the grant funds, Boston 26 was awarded $9,859,995  through the program to support event-specific security needs. Agencies awarded funds through this program will be required to submit reimbursement requests and documentation for approved expenses related to World Cup security in order to receive their awarded funds.

As the State Administrative Agency for FEMA grant funds received by Massachusetts, OGR is responsible for ensuring that funds are used only for allowable purposes.

In addition to the World Cup Grant Program funding, Massachusetts received an additional $21.2 million through FEMA’s Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Grant Program, which will provide Boston Police Department, Foxborough Police Department and Massachusetts State Police with enhanced resources and training to protect World Cup events from malicious drone activity. This funding was awarded by FEMA and administered in Massachusetts by OGR.

###