Duval Times

The United States will host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, alongside Canada and Mexico. Miami has been chosen as one of the host cities for matches, with additional Florida cities serving as base camps for competing national teams. The anticipated surge in tourism across the state could strain existing security infrastructures, prompting a call for comprehensive planning by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Rick Scott (R-FL), and members of the Florida delegation have sent a letter to President Joe Biden and DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas regarding the need for meticulous security preparations to ensure successful and secure World Cup events.

“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,” stated Rubio and Scott.

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 their letter is provided 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, coinciding with the 250th Anniversary of U.S. independence, this presents an opportunity for America to showcase its best attributes. Of the 16 cities hosting World Cup matches, 11 are American cities; additionally, other cities will serve as base camps for competing national teams. Miami was selected as a host city during this planning process and will see matches throughout the tournament, including hosting the third-place match. Furthermore, several Florida cities will act as base camps for regional teams.

We write to express our excitement and support for what this event means for our constituents—from showcasing Florida’s finest cities to boosting local economies statewide.

However, we also urge your administration to ensure our communities receive adequate planning resources and information necessary for a safe event. As FBI Director Wray highlighted in June 2024 before Congress, we face an unprecedented threat environment in America today. By addressing these concerns now, we aim to ensure that both Florida and broader U.S regions are well-prepared for hosting duties come 2026.

To address security concerns effectively while supporting Floridian stakeholders' needs in making this World Cup successful yet secure for all participants involved—we request answers on these points:

1) DHS announced Special Event Assessment Ratings (SEAR) for Miami: initial six matches rated SEAR-2 events; Bronze Final rated SEAR-1 event—does DHS possess sufficient resources aligned with these ratings? If not—what measures are underway ensuring necessary security provisions?

2) Given expected increased tourism inflows into host-city airports—how are TSA & CBP strategizing around heightened traveler volumes?

3) What proactive steps does DHS undertake ensuring state/local law enforcement receives maximal intelligence—particularly concerning potential terrorist threats linked with any World-Cup-related activity?

4) How is DHS’ Office Intelligence/Analysis enhancing real-time info-sharing between federal/state/local agencies pre-during US-hosted WC-events?

Thank you sincerely,

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