By MES Dispatch staff
The Briefing:
• Houston city officials are seeking nearly $65 million in federal grant funding to support additional police overtime for security during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
• The funding request is part of a Securing the Cities grant proposal to help cover overtime, training and equipment for World Cup events in Houston.
• City leaders said the goal is to augment public safety resources amid expected high attendance and increased demand on officers.
• The grant application is pending review by the Department of Homeland Security.
HOUSTON, TEXAS — Houston city officials announced this week that they are pursuing nearly $65 million in federal Securing the Cities grant funding to cover police officer overtime, training and related expenses for events tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The request aims to help the Houston Police Department increase staffing capacity during the international tournament, which is expected to draw large crowds and place heightened demands on public safety operations in host cities.
Officials said the funding would support overtime pay, necessary training enhancements, security coordination and equipment costs directly associated with policing World Cup matches scheduled in Houston.
The grant application now awaits review and approval by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which administers the Securing the Cities program. Local leaders said they will continue to refine operational plans for law enforcement support as the tournament approaches.