WASHINGTON, D.C. — The White House and U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer announced Monday that $8.5 million in federal funding has been approved to support law enforcement security operations surrounding MetLife Stadium and the Meadowlands Complex during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The funding, provided through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Homeland Security Grant Program, will help cover overtime and other security-related expenses for local, county and state law enforcement agencies tasked with protecting fans, visitors and residents during one of the world’s largest sporting events.
Over the course of eight World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, hundreds of thousands of visitors are expected to travel to North Jersey, placing increased demands on law enforcement agencies and first responders.
“This is a massive moment for New Jersey and for the entire country, and we need to make sure our officers and first responders have the resources to do their jobs,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “Our local county prosecutor, law enforcement officers, and State Troopers are working overtime to keep people safe during the World Cup. They need the funding to match. That’s exactly what this delivers. I fought hard in Washington to secure these critical funds for Jersey, and after countless hours and conversations, I reached an agreement with the White House to get this money out the door and into the hands of the men and women keeping our communities safe.”
According to the announcement, $3 million will be distributed to local police departments in Bergen County communities surrounding MetLife Stadium and the Meadowlands Complex, including Carlstadt, East Rutherford, Lyndhurst, Moonachie, Rutherford, Little Ferry, North Arlington and Wood-Ridge. The funding will be allocated through the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office.
Officials said those departments will be supported by officers from 38 Bergen County municipalities participating in the Bergen County FIFA Task Force, including Fort Lee, Hackensack, Paramus and Tenafly.
Another $1.5 million will be directed to the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office to support FIFA Task Force operations and security efforts involving local police departments.
The remaining $4 million will be provided to the New Jersey State Police, which will be responsible for securing MetLife Stadium and the Meadowlands Complex during the tournament.
Officials said the funding is intended primarily to cover officer overtime and other necessary security costs associated with World Cup operations.
MetLife Stadium is scheduled to host eight matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, one of the world’s largest sporting events.
