Transportation officials huddle on Capitol Hill ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup

Transportation officials gathered on Capitol Hill to prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup’s massive visitor influx.

U.S. Representative Sharice Davids (D-KS) said she hosted the second in a series of Capitol Hill briefings on Tuesday, April 14.

Davids noted that the briefings bring together transit agencies nationwide to spotlight the critical role public transportation will play in the tournament’s success.

$100 Million in Federal Funding Secured

Earlier in 2026, the Congresswoman indicated that the U.S. House passed $100 million to help transit agencies cover costs tied to the World Cup.

Davids called that funding essential to keeping cities moving during the event.

“The FIFA World Cup is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to showcase our communities and our country on a global stage, and strong, reliable transit systems will be key to making that happen,” said Davids. “I’m proud to bring partners together to make sure transit agencies have the resources they need to move people safely and efficiently while supporting the economic benefits this event will bring to regions across the country. This is all about teamwork, on the field and off!”

Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA) also weighed in, highlighting the bipartisan effort behind the funding.

“Safe and enjoyable sporting events across America begin with properly functioning transit agencies, and the 2026 World Cup is no exception,” said Representative Buddy Carter (R-GA). “Working with Representative Davids, we secured critical funding to support these agencies as they prepare to host the World Cup. I’m excited and proud of Georgia’s role as a host city for what’s on track to be the largest sporting event in history.”

By the Numbers: The Scale of the 2026 World Cup

According to Davids, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is shaping up to be the largest sporting event in the nation’s history. Here’s what host cities are preparing for:

• 78 matches played over 39 days
• 11 host cities across 9 states
• Each stadium must be supported by a nearby airport capable of handling at least 1,450 passengers per hour
• An estimated 185,000 full-time jobs generated nationwide
• $30.5 billion in projected gross output
• $17.2 billion in projected GDP impact

Transit Agencies Sound Off: Challenges in Coordination

Tuesday’s briefing gave transit leaders a platform to share both their preparations and their concerns.

GATRA (Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority - Massachusetts)

For smaller transit systems, GATRA said the World Cup presents challenges unlike anything they have faced before.

GATRA Administrator Mary Ellen A. DeFrias said her agency is focused on serving both visitors and the communities that rely on them daily.

“The World Cup will test smaller transit systems like ours in ways we’ve never experienced before,” DeFrias said. “At GATRA, we’re preparing to move large volumes of visitors while still delivering the daily service our communities depend on.”

She added that pulling it off will require a regional effort - and federal backing.

“That requires unprecedented regional coordination with our partners at the other regional transportation authorities, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, and the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority, and it depends on strong federal support to get it right,” she said.

VTA (Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority - California)

Santa Clara County is bracing for a surge of visitors on top of the 2 million residents the VTA said it already serves.

General Manager Carolyn M. Gonot indicated that the agency sees the World Cup as a moment to shine on a global stage.

“Santa Clara County will welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors for the World Cup, on top of the two million people who call the VTA service area home,” Gonot added. “It is our responsibility to provide the greatest transit customer experience and put VTA’s best foot forward as we welcome the world.”

She credited the agency’s long-standing federal partnerships as a key factor in its readiness.

“We are grateful for our strong, decades-long relationship with our federal partners,” Gonot concluded.

Miami-Dade County DTPW

Miami-Dade said it is betting on its track record to carry it through one of the biggest tests in transit history.

Director Stacy L. Miller, P.E., said the county’s system has already proven it can handle massive crowds.

“Public transportation is the backbone of how Miami-Dade will deliver a successful 2026 FIFA World Cup, one of the largest global events in history,” Miller noted. “We’ve already seen our system rise to the occasion, from managing ridership surges during the inaugural games at Nu Stadium to moving tens of thousands seamlessly during Ultra Music Festival.”

Miller added that ongoing investments will ensure the system is ready when the world arrives.

“Our experience, combined with the investments we’re making, ensures we are ready to deliver a safe, reliable, and efficient transit experience as we welcome the world to Miami,” she stated.

What’s Next

Davids framed Tuesday’s briefing as a call to action - urging coordinated, proactive investment in infrastructure at the federal, state and local levels before the tournament kicks off.

With matches set to be played across the country in just a matter of months, transit agencies say the clock is ticking - and the pressure is on.

Kansas City is among the 11 U.S. cities set to host 2026 FIFA World Cup matches