Erin Lanahan 
We are less than 100 days away from the 2026 World Cup beginning in North America. Work behind the scenes to coordinate the events, spectators, and other logistics is ramping up. Federal funding for security for the host cities has finally been awarded after a partial government shutdown slowed the release of funds. Transit funding has already made its way to host cities. And, the homeshare site Airbnb is enticing would-be hosts near the venues to list their properties. Here’s the latest on the planning for the 2026 World Cup coming to New Jersey and North America.
Update On Security Funding
On March 18th, 2026, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded $625 million in funding to 11 cities ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The funds allow state and local officials to “hold operational exercises, conduct staff background checks and strengthen cybersecurity defenses,” per FEMA. The cities could also use the funding to pay for increased police and emergency response at World Cup events, hotels, and transporation hubs.
New Jersey will receive $66,205,076 on behalf of New Jersey and New York. Miami recieved $73,698,993 , the most funding out of all of the 11 cities.
“The 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to be the largest sporting event in history, so it must also be the most secure,” said Karen S. Evans, Senior Official Performing the Duties of the FEMA Administrator, in an online statement. “Through the FIFA World Cup Grant Program, FEMA is providing critical funding—over half a billion dollars—to help state and local authorities protect their communities as well as World Cup venues, players and attendees. By delivering these resources and ensuring the money is spent efficiently and effectively, FEMA is making a significant contribution to a safe, secure World Cup.”
“Matches begin in less than 90 days. Congress passed this funding long in advance and officials needed this money months ago. So I’m glad to see DHS finally do the right thing and release these overdue funds,” said New Jersey Congresswoman Nellie Pou, whose district includes MetLife Stadium. “Our local law enforcement and public safety officials in North Jersey and other host cities are among the best in the country, but they need real aid to guarantee a safe tournament. We cannot allow mismanagement or incompetence to threaten years of careful preparation and imperil the security of the millions of visitors to the games. I am hopeful with this money released, host cities and law enforcement have what they need to make the 2026 World Cup a massive success.”
Previously, there were concerns about planning for security in each host city. Funds were not being released due to a partial government shutdown.
Lack of Funding Leading To Security Concerns
Last year, Congress passed legislation awarding $625 million in funding via the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to the 11 US cities hosting World Cup games. Per the legislative language, “This program supports activities such as training and readiness exercises, staff background checks, cybersecurity defense, as well as increased police and emergency response for FIFA venues, hotels, transportation hubs, and other critical infrastructure to enhance security and preparedness.”
As of March 9th, 2026, the government is still partially shut down, and the Department of Homeland Security is currently unfunded. FEMA operates under DHS and is impacted by the shutdown. FEMA is responsible for disbursing the funds to these host cities, but has yet to do so.
Rep. Nellie Pou of New Jersey, whose district includes MetLife Stadium, criticized the DHS during a hearing before the House Committee on Homeland Security on February 24th. In an online statement, she said, “Congress has appropriated $625 million for the 11 cities hosting World Cup matches, including my district. With only roughly four months to go, these cities still report they have not received this funding. This is completely unacceptable this close to kickoff. If DHS is going to play a role in this tournament, then DHS needs to be transparent, coordinated and timely. The World Cup is a global stage. We need to act like we are ready for it. We’re running out of time.” MetLife Stadium is slated to host the championship game on Sunday, July 19th, 2026.
Ray Martinez, the chief operating officer for the Miami World Cup host committee, said the fan fest in Miami could be canceled by the end of March if the city did not receive roughly $70 million in funds. The fan fest in Jersey City was already canceled, with the State of New Jersey pivoting to several statewide events instead of the single festival at Liberty State Park.
Read More: Fan Festival in Jersey City Cancelled, Organizers Moving to Statewide Events
Joseph Mabin, the deputy chief of the Kansas City police in Missouri, said the funding is critical for hiring additional personnel needed to provide security for six games and the four base camps teams are using in the Kansas City area, per KCTV.
In a post on X on February 26th, former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem wrote, “FEMA was in the final stages of reviewing applications to ensure proper oversight when Democrats shut down the government putting significant portions of the FEMA staff on administrative leave. No funds have been awarded yet under the FIFA World Cup Grant Program. The longer DHS goes without funding, the less prepared our nation will be for threats at the FIFA World Cup and America 250. This Democrat shutdown directly impacts DHS’s ability to keep Americans safe at these events and our national security.”
ESPN reports that while this is FIFA’s tournament, “sources within FIFA view the funding issue as one to be sorted out between the federal government and the organizations representing the host cities.”
Transit Funding
On March 3, 2026, the Department of Transportation (DOT) announced the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is investing $100.3 million into public transit systems withinWorld Cup host cities. The funding is to ensure these communities can expand transit options to meet the increased demand from the millions of fans traveling to the matches. New Jersey and New York will receive more than $10 million in federal funding. The Hoboken Girl reached out to NJ Transit and Port Authority to see how much funding the organizations could be receiving, and will update this piece when we hear back.
“DOT is doing its part to ensure the United States is ready to host the most spectacular World Cup in history,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy in an online statement. “We’re proud to partner with host cities to provide fans with a seamless travel experience that will be part of the memories they cherish from attending these historic games.”
The DOT requires transit agencies to obligate these funds within one fiscal year of the close of the 2026 World Cup. This funding will support planning, capital, and operating expenses supporting matches and other public events held in host cities. The funding will be apportioned by a formula accounting for stadium capacity and the number of matches in each host city. It allows for 100% Federal share for these funds. The funding was made possible through the passage of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026. More information on these funds can be found online.
Because these funds are being released by the Federal Transit Administration, they are not affected by the DHS shutdown.
Airbnb Bonus
In an effort to increase rental listings before the World Cup begins, Airbnb is promoting a special bonus for new hosts listing their homes this summer. New hosts could get an extra $750 reward for hosting their first guests by July 31, 2026. The bonus extends to new hosts in event zones across North America, including New York and New Jersey.
Data from Airbnb shows searches for stays in these host cities are increasing by an average of 80% compared to the same time last year.
Millions of fans are expected to attend the World Cup this summer, and Airbnb reports New York and New Jersey residents could earn $5,700 on average by renting out their space during the massive tournament.
See More: Where to Watch Soccer in Hoboken + Jersey City
Active Airbnb hosts are not eligible for the incentive, yet they can still earn referral bonuses. Host referral rewards were increased in some locations, allowing current hosts to earn between $185 and $1,160 for referring new hosts in key match cities through March 31, 2026. See if your zip code falls in an eligible host zone here.
“Demand for World Cup stays on Airbnb is surging, giving residents of host cities the opportunity to boost their incomes by sharing their homes and the communities they love,” Dave Stephenson, Chief Business Officer at Airbnb, shared in an online statement.
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Jersey City’s short-term rental laws are strict. Short-term rentals are generally only permitted in the host’s primary residence in Jersey City. If the owner is not on-site, rentals are capped at a maximum of 60 nights per year. Renters cannot list units and owners must reside on-site for most rentals, with mandatory registration, inspections, and a $500,000 liability insurance requirement. More detailed information on becoming an Airbnb host in Jersey City can be found online.
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