| US lawmakers criticize government shutdown for
causing serious delays in World Cup preparations March 30th,2026  Right now, the DHS shutdown is hampering the department’s ability to prepare for the largest influx of visitors in American history. This shutdown is not merely a matter of bureaucratic inconvenience; it is a direct threat to our national security. The first kick-off is less than 80 days away. The longer this shutdown continues, the more gaps there may be in our security and operational planning, preparedness and coordination. Our ability to deliver a safe World Cup suffers every day that Congress refuses to fund us. As millions of visitors arrive for the World Cup, America’s airports, cities and ports need to be ready. The shutdown is making that nearly impossible. Now imagine that scenario happening during the busiest travel season in American history — where each of those metropolitan areas will be hosting World Cup games this summer. In addition, plans for new checkpoint screening technology upgrades at World Cup gateway airports risk being delayed or canceled with a prolonged shutdown. World Cup-specific staffing, canine deployments and coordination with airport and law enforcement partners are all falling victim to travel restrictions, approval delays and canceled training sessions. |