DHS releases FY 2026 funding opportunities for World Cup and Counter-UAS grants

Key Takeaways

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have released the FY 2026 Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOFOs) for two major new homeland security grant programs: the FIFA World Cup Grant Program and the Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) Grant Program. Both programs were established under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 (Pub. L. 119-21) and represent significant new federal investments to help state and local governments prepare for large-scale events and emerging security threats.

These funding opportunities follow sustained advocacy from counties, particularly those working closely with World Cup Host Cities. Earlier this year, NACo supported a county-led letter urging Congress to provide robust federal funding to support the unique security and operational needs associated with hosting 2026 FIFA World Cup events.

The application period for both grant programs opened on October 28, 2025, and closes December 5, 2025.

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FIFA World Cup Grant Program

For FY 2026, FEMA will provide $625 million through the FIFA World Cup Grant Program to support the 11 U.S. Host Cities preparing for the 2026 tournament. Counties and municipalities across these regions face complex, multi-jurisdictional challenges due to the scale and geographic footprint of the event.

Funding can be used for a wide range of preparedness and public safety needs, including:

• Training and exercises across regional emergency management and public safety agencies
• Staff background checks and enhanced screening procedures
• Cybersecurity defense for key systems and infrastructure
• Expanded police, fire and EMS operations at FIFA venues, hotels and transportation hubs

This investment reflects the elevated threat environment surrounding the event. DHS has classified all U.S. matches as high risk level events, with counties emphasizing the need for this additional public safety funding in their letter to Senate leadership earlier this year.

Read the NOFO

Counter-UAS Grant Program

DHS also announced the FY 2026 funding opportunity for the new Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) Grant Program, which will provide $500 million over two fiscal years to help states combat the unlawful use of drones.

Key details include:

• $250 million in FY 2026 will be directed to nine states and the National Capital Region that are hosting World Cup or America 250 events.
• $250 million in FY 2027 will be distributed to all 56 states and territories, with a broader emphasis on national detection, tracking and response capabilities.

States can use these funds to establish or expand drone detection systems, coordinate regional response protocols, invest in training and technology and address growing risks to public venues, transportation hubs and critical infrastructure.

Read the NOFO

County impacts

These two grant programs offer counties important new opportunities to strengthen local preparedness and security capabilities:

• Regional coordination: Counties play central roles in emergency management and law enforcement during major events. Funding will help support multi-county coordination across large metropolitan regions.
• Public safety operations: Counties hosting or surrounding event venues can use these investments to enhance EMS, emergency communications, cybersecurity and situational awareness systems.
• Drone threat mitigation: Local governments are increasingly on the front lines of unauthorized drone activity. C-UAS funding will help counties partner with states to build out detection networks and response procedures.