U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids Hosts FIFA World Cup Briefing with Cross-Country Transit Agencies
Today, Representative Sharice Davids (D-KS-03), founder and co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional FIFA World Cup 2026 Caucus, hosted her second Capitol Hill briefing with transit agencies from across the country to highlight the critical role transportation will play in ensuring the success of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Earlier this year, the U.S. House passed $100 million to help transit agencies cover costs associated with hosting the matches.
“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!”
“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-01). “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."
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be the largest sporting event in history, with the United States hosting 78 matches over 39 days across 11 cities in 9 states. Each host city will manage the matches and the daily celebrations and movement of tens of thousands of visitors. To meet FIFA’s requirements, each stadium must be supported by a nearby airport capable of handling at least 1,450 passengers per hour. The economic impact is expected to be significant — generating an estimated 185,000 full-time jobs nationwide, $30.5 billion in gross output, and $17.2 billion in GDP.
Today’s discussion brought together representatives from World Cup host cities to share the planning already underway, the anticipated challenges facing their transit systems, and the resources needed from all levels of government. With just months until the tournament, the discussion served as a call to action for coordinated, proactive investment in infrastructure and operations.
Speakers at today’s briefing featured seven transit agency leaders from World Cup host regions alongside Connor Torossian, Federal Transit Administration Associate Administrator of Communications and Congressional Affairs. The agencies included the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW), Alameda-Contra Costa (AC) Transit, Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority (GATRA), Virginia Transit Association (VTA), and New Jersey Transit.
Partner Quotes:
“The World Cup will test smaller transit systems like ours in ways we’ve never experienced before,” said Mary Ellen A DeFrias, Administrator, GATRA. “At GATRA, we’re preparing to move large volumes of visitors while still delivering the daily service our communities depend on. 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.”
“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,” said Carolyn M. Gonot, General Manager, VTA. “It is our responsibility to provide the greatest transit customer experience and put VTA’s best foot forward as we welcome the world. We are grateful for our strong, decades-long relationship with our federal partners.”
“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,” said Stacy L. Miller, P.E., Director, Miami-Dade County DTPW. “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. 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.”
"The 2026 FIFA World Cup is no ordinary event, and the MBTA is looking forward to welcoming visitors from around the globe to the seven matches at Boston Stadium in Massachusetts this summer. As we collaborate with host cities and peer agencies across the country, the MBTA is ready to deliver unprecedented public transit service across all modes we provide. The support and funding from the bipartisan Congressional FIFA World Cup Caucus demonstrates the vital role and responsibility that public transit agencies must carry towards the success of this international event," said Phillip Eng, Interim Transportation Secretary, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA). "Massachusetts take great pride in our transit system and has been investing in our transportation network as we know how critical it is to the public we serve and to visitors coming for the World Cup and all the other major events this summer. We are proud to be one of 11 host cities and showcase all that Massachusetts has to offer."