Gottheimer announces new, bipartisan action to protect New Jersey families and pocketbooks for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ (Bergen County) — U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) joined local and state law enforcement at MetLife Stadium on Tuesday to announce new, bipartisan federal actions aimed at protecting the lives of Jersey families and ensuring the safety and security of the 2026 World Cup.

Gottheimer also announced new action to protect the pocketbooks of hardworking Jersey residents from having to cover the cost of safety during the World Cup games.

“The World Cup is a national event, so it requires a national response. That’s why I will continue fighting to claw back money to help fund our state and local law enforcement, and why I am calling for the federal government to recognize the magnitude of this event and help efforts to secure it.” Gottheimer said. “To ensure the success of the games, we must all come together — federal officials, local and state leaders, sports leagues, and law enforcement — with one goal — the safety of New Jersey and our country. “

“On behalf of the NYNJ World Cup 2026 Host Committee, we extend our gratitude to Congressman Gottheimer for his unwavering support as we collaborate with city and state agencies to ensure the safety and security of FIFA World Cup 2026™ in our region. His advocacy for $625 million in FEMA funding to support state and local authorities across all U.S. host cities is crucial for executing the ambitious and coordinated security operations required for an event of this magnitude,” said Lauren LaRusso and Bruce Revman, Co-Host City Managers of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ NYNJ Host Committee. “NYNJ has a proven track record of delivering safe and secure large-scale events, and Congressman Gottheimer’s commitment ensures that FIFA World Cup 2026™ will continue this legacy, providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors to the region and every host city in the United States. We are grateful for his leadership and partnership in making this historic event a resounding success locally and nationally.”

“The men and women of the New Jersey State Police are honored with having the task of undertaking the safety and security of the 2026 World Cup at Met Life Stadium.  We have performed at the highest levels at prior major events including the Super Bowl and previous World Cup matches.  The upcoming 2026 World Cup presents modern policing with a number of additional public safety missions that have evolved since these prior events were held, such as human trafficking and guarding against new tactics in terrorism.  It is essential that our men and women be provided every last asset and dollar in order to succeed at the 2026 World Cup and be able to provide a safe and memorable experience for the millions of people that will visit our great State during the World Cup matches.  We thank Congressman Gottheimer for his tireless efforts in attempting to assist the New Jersey State Police in gaining the proper federal threat level assessments and funding in order to perform our duties,” said Wayne Blanchard, President of the State Troopers Fraternal Association.

Importance of Safety and Cost of World Cup for Jersey:

• The World Cup is expected to create 14,000 jobs and bring $3 billion in revenue to our region.
• FIFA expects this to be the largest World Cup in history, with more than 5.5 million fans expected to attend the matches that will be held around the United States.
• Between 1970 and 2019, there were 74 terrorist attacks on sports venues around the world. Just this July, at the COPA America Final, fans were arrested after people overwhelmed security measures at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida, which will also host matches for the upcoming World Cup.
• When New Jersey hosted Superbowl XLVIII in 2014, it cost the State $81 million in expenses.
• New Jersey has already spent $37.5 million to get MetLife Stadium ready for the World Cup soccer matches.
• New Jersey is expected to take on $65 million in costs for things like transit security for all hubs, bridges, tunnels, and airports.
• There are more than 10,400 residents in the greater East Rutherford Area who will be impacted by traffic, public transportation changes, and the massive amount of visitors coming to the region.

Gottheimer’s New Action to Protect Jersey Families and Pocketbooks:

• First, Gottheimer announced a new letter written to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas and FBI Director Wray asking them to designate every match played at MetLife Stadium as a Level 1 Special Event Assessment Rating — or SEAR — Event.
  • This Level 1 SEAR designation recognizes the highest level of security preparedness is required for an event of this magnitude, allowing for more funding, greater coordination between law enforcement, and many other measures to ensure safety.
• Second, Gottheimer is writing a new, bipartisan letter with Congressman Darin Lahood to the leaders of House and Senate Appropriations Committees to request $625 million in federal dollars, including $65 million for Jersey, in the end-of-the-year funding package to help fund security operations.
  • This investment is needed to claw back more federal dollars to help pay for our state and local law enforcement who will be working around-the-clock to secure this massive event against any domestic or foreign terror threats, crime, and crowd control and transit issues.
  • These dollars will help with bomb detection, counter-drone measures, tactical response teams, reinforcing critical infrastructure and essential utilities, police escorts, road closures, and transit safeguards across our major urban systems and airports. It will help New Jersey pay state and local law enforcement.
• Finally, Gottheimer is committed to ensuring the World Cup is a massive success for Jersey, while also protecting our national security.
  • This past September, Gottheimer met with FIFA’s Chief Security Officer to review their security plans, and in April, also met with FIFA’s President to learn more about what is needed to keep New Jersey safe before the 2026 World Cup.
  • Gottheimer has also been focused on the risk of gun violence at sports venues. The congressman helped pass bipartisan legislation extending the Undetectable Firearms Act with Congressman Mike Lawler. This extends the ban on undetectable firearms through 2031, deterring gun manufacturers from producing ghost guns and keeping our stadiums safe.

Gottheimer is a member of the Congressional Soccer Caucus, Vice Chair of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Caucus, and serves as co-chair of the bipartisan Law Enforcement Caucus.

Gottheimer was joined by County Executive Jim Tedesco, President of the State Troopers Fraternal Association Wayne Blanchard, Andrew Simoncini of Axion Communications, Rutherford Police Chief John Russo, Little Ferry Police Chief James Walters, Haworth Police  Chief Michael Gracey, Emerson Police Chief Mark Savino, Englewood Police Chief Thomas Greeley, East Rutherford Police Captain Stan Rymarz, Bergen County Sheriff’s Office Detective Sergeant Gidget Perry.