With the 2026 FIFA World Cup less than 100 days away, U.S. airports are facing unprecedented disruption, raising concerns for fans traveling to the tournament hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Security worries and staffing shortages have compounded the challenges, leaving federal officials scrambling to ensure safe and efficient travel.
The tournament is set to kick off on June 11 in Mexico, with Mexico hosting South Africa at the Mexico City Stadium in the Group A clash.
It will then move to the United States and Canada on June 12. But the unrest in U.S airports is drawing heightened attention from law enforcement.
Officials cite risks tied to retaliatory threats following the ongoing war with Iran, noting that the stakes for fan safety are exceptionally high.
Compounding this issue, $625 million in federal security grants designated for the World Cup remain stalled, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter.
These funds, part of a Republican-backed spending bill passed in July 2025, were meant to bolster security planning for venues and transit locations across the host countries.
“The delayed funding and threat warnings have compounded an already complex process,” officials told Reuters, emphasizing the strain on state and city planners preparing for one of the world’s most high-profile sporting events.
Airport delays add to frustration and concerns
Travelers in the United States are also experiencing long lines and flight delays due to an ongoing partial government shutdown, which has left the Department of Homeland Security unfunded.
The TSA, responsible for airport security, has gone five weeks without paying its officers. More than 400 TSA officers have quit since mid-February, further intensifying the staffing crisis.
US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy addressed the situation on ABC‘s “This Week with George Stephanopoulos,” stating: “They’re going to take other jobs to put food on the table and pay the rent.
“I do think it’s going to get much worse, and as it gets worse, I think that puts pressure on Congress to come to a resolution.”
In response, President Donald Trump announced Saturday that ICE agents would be deployed to replace TSA officers at airports nationwide.
White House Border Czar Tom Homan confirmed on CNN’s “State of the Union,” saying: “We’ll have a plan by the end of today what airports we’re starting with and where we’re sending them.”
Airport employee union at war with bosses
The decision has drawn sharp criticism from the president of the American Federation of Government Employees, Everett Kelley.
“Our members at TSA have been showing up every day, without a paycheck, because they believe in the mission of keeping the flying public safe,” Kelley said.
“They deserve to be paid, not replaced by untrained, armed agents who have shown how dangerous they can be.”
As the World Cup approaches, fans traveling to U.S. airports face uncertain conditions, from delays to safety concerns.
With fewer than three months to go, resolving the shutdown, funding delays, and staffing issues is critical for Trump and federal authorities to prevent disruptions and maintain the global reputation of one of sport’s biggest events.
The clock is ticking for both airport operations and World Cup organizers, leaving travelers and officials on high alert as kickoff nears.
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