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The United States will host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, along with Canada and Mexico. Miami was chosen as one of the host cities to hold matches, with additional Florida cities serving as base camps for the competing national teams. The increased tourism activity across the state could overwhelm existing security structures. It is important that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) plans for all security needs prior to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Rick Scott (R-FL), and members of the Florida delegation sent a letter to President Joe Biden and DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with regard to the planning process to ensure successful and secure World Cup games. 

• “As FBI Director Wray highlighted to Congress in June 2024, the United States faces an all-time high threat environment. With the country looking forward to 2026, we hope that by highlighting our concerns now, the United States, including Florida, will be better prepared to host the World Cup.” 

Joining Rubio and Scott were Representatives Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL), Jared Moskowitz (D-FL), Aaron Bean (R-FL), Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), Mike Waltz (R-FL), Carlos Gimenez (R-FL), and Scott Franklin (R-FL).

The full text of the letter is below. 

Dear Mr. President and Secretary Mayorkas:

In June 2018, the 68th FIFA Congress selected the United States, as part of the United Bid of Canada, Mexico, and the United States, to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With the 2026 World Cup positioned to be the world’s largest sporting event, and also coinciding with the 250th Anniversary of the United States’ independence, the United States will have an opportunity to showcase the best it has to offer. Of the 16 cities to host the World Cup, 11 American cities will host the World Cup matches, along with additional cities serving as base camps for the national teams competing. During the planning process, Miami was selected as a host city and will see matches throughout the tournament, including the third-place match. Further, several cities in Florida will serve as base camps for teams competing in the region. We write to express our excitement and support for the opportunities the World Cup will bring to our constituents from showcasing Florida’s finest cities to boosting the local economies across the state.

However, we also write to urge the administration to ensure our communities are provided with the planning, resources and information they need to provide a safe event. As FBI Director Wray highlighted to Congress in June 2024, the United States faces an all-time high threat environment. With the country looking forward to 2026, we hope that by highlighting our concerns now, the United States, including Florida, will be better prepared to host the World Cup.

To alleviate security concerns and support the needs of constituents and stakeholders in Florida to make the World Cup a successful and secure event for all participants, we request answers to the following questions:

1. DHS announced the Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) for Miami: the first six matches will be SEAR 2 events and the Bronze Final will be a SEAR 1 event. Does DHS have sufficient resources to ensure it meets the needs associated with the rating provided?
   • If not, what steps is DHS taking to ensure it can fulfill the necessary security needs for cities hosting World Cup matches, including Miami, Florida?
2. With the World Cup matches expected to increase tourism to the host cities, including through major airports, how is the Transportation Security Administration and Customs and Border Protection planning to meet the increased frequency of travelers?
3. What steps is DHS taking to ensure state and local law enforcement partners are provided as much intelligence as possible, especially as it relates to any terrorist threat assessments connected to any World Cup-related event?
   • What steps is the Office of Intelligence and Analysis taking to improve real-time information sharing between the Department and state and local law enforcement agencies in the lead up to and during the United States (and Florida specifically) hosting the World Cup?

Thank you for your attention to these concerns.

Sincerely,