Local officials representing World Cup host cities warned Congress on Tuesday that security concerns, coordination problems, and inadequate federal funding are risking catastrophe with less than 100 days before the games begin. Witnesses testified before the House Homeland Security Committee about the urgent need to unfreeze FEMA money earmarked for host cities' security needs.

Officials described failures in coordination between local agencies and the federal government as they work out complex security details for transportation, hotels, fan events, and stadiums. Drone threats, human trafficking, ICE presence at games, and recent cartel violence in Mexico are compounding the troubled picture. The federal government had previously earmarked $625 million for U.S. host cities to enhance security and preparedness.

Mike Sena of the National Fusion Center Association testified that events like the World Cup and 2028 Olympics will test homeland security more than in decades. Ray Martinez, Miami's World Cup host committee COO, warned that without roughly $70 million in federal funds, his city faces a "drop dead date" to start canceling plans. Rep. Carlos Gimenez confirmed FEMA staffers are not working during the partial shutdown, with funding "not coming till the government reopens."