FEMA Grants $250 Million to Track Drones During World Cup

The funding for 11 states comes as terrorists and hostile foreign actors have ‘intensified their use of this technology’ in recent years, DHS says.

People watch as U.S. President Donald Trump draws the United States during the FIFA World Cup 2026 draw on a screen in Times Square, New York on Dec. 5, 2026. Brendan McDermid/Reuters

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is awarding $250 million for anti-drone efforts in 11 states that will host the FIFA World Cup 2026 soccer matches, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said in a Dec. 30 statement.

“Recipients can use this money to strengthen their ability to detect, identify, track, or mitigate unmanned aircraft systems,” DHS said. “In recent years, criminals, terrorists, and hostile foreign actors have intensified their use of this technology.”