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Atlanta to receive $52 million from FEMA for 2026 FIFA World Cup security

By
Christopher Harris
Digital Producer, CBS News Atlanta
Christopher Harris is a digital content producer for CBS Atlanta and the South region.
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Christopher Harris

/ CBS Atlanta

Atlanta is receiving tens of millions of dollars in federal funding to help prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to a city spokesperson. 

The funding is part of a nationwide effort by FEMA, which announced it is awarding $625 million to all 11 U.S. host cities to strengthen security ahead of the big tournament.

How much FEMA funding is Atlanta receiving for World Cup? 

City officials say Atlanta will receive about $52.2 million through FEMA's FIFA World Cup Grant Program. That funding is part of a larger $73.4 million allocation to the Atlanta World Cup Host Committee, according to Michael Smith, a spokesperson for Mayor Andre Dickens.

The money will be used to support a wide range of needs tied to hosting the tournament, including covering police and fire overtime, upgrading emergency equipment, improving communication systems, and supporting training, inspections and emergency planning efforts.

SOCCER FRIENDLY UNITED STATES VS BELGIUM
this picture shows fhe Fifa Word Cup 2026 logo ahead of a friendly soccer game between the United States national team and Belgian national soccer team Red Devils in Atlanta, on Saturday 28 March 2026, in preparation for the 2026 World Cup. BELGA PHOTO DIRK WAEM DIRK WAEM / BELGA MAG / Belga /AFP via Getty Images

Additional funding for drone security

Atlanta is also receiving $7.6 million specifically for strengthening drone detection and security capabilities. The funding comes through FEMA's Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Grant Program and is part of a $20.3 million award for the state of Georgia.

Officials say the program is designed to help law enforcement better detect, identify, and track drones that could pose a risk to public safety, particularly during large-scale events like the World Cup.

Why the money matters 

FEMA officials say the funding is critical as cities prepare for the scale of the 2026 tournament, which is expected to draw millions of fans from around the world.

The grant program will allow local and state agencies to increase police and emergency presence at stadiums, hotels and transportation hubs, while also supporting training exercises, background checks and stronger cybersecurity protections.

"The 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to be the largest sporting event in history, so it must also be the most secure," FEMA said in a statement.

Atlanta's role in the 2026 World Cup

Atlanta is one of 11 U.S. cities selected to host matches, with games set to be played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Eight matches, including a semifinal, will be held at the venue. 

Local leaders say the funding is a key step in making sure the city is ready not only for the matches, but also for the large crowds and international attention that will come with them.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the first held in the United States since 1994 and will take place across multiple cities in North America.

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