The Cost Of: World Cup security effort brings millions in federal funding to MetLife Stadium
That funding includes money for MetLife Stadium, where matches will be held as part of what FIFA refers to as the New York–New Jersey host region.
More Stories
With just about a month to go before the first World Cup match kicks off at the Meadowlands, preparations are accelerating to keep the event safe — and much of that effort is being funded by taxpayers.
Areas across the United States hosting World Cup matches have been allocated about $625 million in public safety funding approved by Congress.
That funding includes money for MetLife Stadium, where matches will be held as part of what FIFA refers to as the New York–New Jersey host region.
Officials say roughly $17 million has been allocated specifically for drone detection and mitigation around MetLife Stadium.
An additional $26 million is being directed to New Jersey state and local law enforcement agencies, along with hundreds of thousands of dollars to improve emergency communication systems in communities such as East Rutherford.
Authorities say security planning is not limited to physical threats.
Experts warn that cyber threats — including terrorism‑related risks and large‑scale scams — could impact not only World Cup visitors, but also residents who are not attending the matches.
COMPLETE COVERAGE: FIFA World Cup 2026 in New Jersey
Those concerns include fraudulent ticket sales, fake hotel listings, rental scams and ride‑share impersonations.
“The everyday individual might not realize that their home is listed on a marketplace or a fake Uber ride is being used with your vehicle,” said Cynthia Hetherington, CEO of the Hetherington Group. “The next thing they know is they’ve got another family showing up at their doorstep thinking they’re staying the night.”
Hetherington says her team is actively monitoring online activity tied to the World Cup, including efforts to organize large groups of people to walk toward MetLife Stadium during games.
She says some of those efforts appear to be protest‑driven, while others are intended to be disruptive.
Officials say the layered security approach is designed to address both physical and digital risks as the world’s attention turns to the region.
