The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has announced that it will allocate $100.3 million to enhance public transit systems in cities hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ensuring both residents and visitors alike will benefit from expanded transit options, safety and reliability.
With the event slated to kick off later this year, host cities are expecting a significant increase in traffic and demand in services surrounding the stadiums. The 2026 World Cup Funding will help support planning, capital and operating expenses associated with matches and other related events.
All funding will be allocated based on a formula designed to account for stadium capacity and number of games in each host city. No local grant matches are required.
The 11 host cities chosen for the World Cup include:
- East Rutherford/New York, New Jersey – $10.4 million.
- Arlington/Dallas, Texas – $10 million.
- Inglewood/Los Angeles, California – $9.6 million.
- Atlanta, Georgia – $9.4 million.
- Houston, Texas – $9.1 million.
- Santa Clara/San Francisco, California – $8.8 million.
- Miami, Florida – $8.7 million.
- Foxborough/Boston, Massachusetts – $8.7 million.
- Kansas City, Missouri – $8.6 million.
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – $8.5 million.
- Seattle, Washington – $8.4 million.
Transit agencies must obligate these funds by July 20, 2027, considering all operating expenses between June 1, 2026, to July 31, 2026. Recipients will be reimbursed for public transportation services, including regularly scheduled, ongoing, shared-ride transportation that is open to the public.
Efforts that will also be covered by the funding will include capital expenses – such as wayfinding enhancements, security equipment and leased vehicles. The funding can also be used for any operating costs associated with vehicle operators, mechanics, dispatchers, customer service and security personnel.
Photo by Tim Gouw from Pexels
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