US cities confront FIFA over World Cup costs

President Donald Trump has celebrated next year’s World Cup as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to show off the United States. But in many host cities, that honor is tempered by a growing concern over shouldering millions of dollars in security and logistical costs.

Local host committees, private organizations established to stage the World Cup in their areas, find themselves squeezed between two much bigger forces. Soccer governing body FIFA — for whom the quadrennial tournament is a leading source of revenue — significantly constrains local organizers’ ability to raise their own funds. While Congress has approved $625 million in security funding nationwide, local governments still have to find the money to cover other expenses that could run up to $150 million per city.

“There’s a little bit coming in, but certainly there is not enough to cover our cost,” said Lisa Gillmor, mayor of the Bay Area city of Santa Clara, California, where six matches will be played. “It’s a tall task to take on.”

Local and state governments are scrambling to bridge the gap. Houston and Dallas are tapping tens of millions from Texas’ Major Events Reimbursement Program Fund. Kansas’ Wyandotte County, home to Kansas City, is considering a new hotel tax. Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey put in a supplemental budget request for $20 million to be spent “in coordination with FIFA based on their needs.”




https://www.politico.com/news/2025/08/31/world-cup-us-host-city-cost-00528429