WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement after the U.S. Department of Transportation announced that public transit systems across the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex were awarded a federal grant of $10,033,037 through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to enhance public transportation and ensure the safe travel of fans and athletes ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup:

“The 2026 World Cup is just around the corner, which will bring millions of fans to North Texas in need of a safe mode of transportation to seamlessly travel to and from stadiums,” said Sen. Cornyn. “I’m grateful these resources will enhance public transit to help meet the expected surge in demand and create memorable experiences for players, teams, and fans. I’m proud to also have secured a historic investment of $625 million in President Trump’s Working Families Tax Cuts Act to strengthen public safety for FIFA host cities, including Dallas and Houston.”

This federal transportation grant funding was made possible through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026, which Sen. Cornyn supported. Earlier this year, Sen. Cornyn hosted a roundtable in Dallas to highlight the law enforcement partnerships, security planning, and public safety apparatus in place to prepare for the games and protect fans. The World Cup is expected to have a more than $2 billion economic impact on the region and bring nearly four million visitors to North Texas, which is set to host nine FIFA matches – the most of any host city in the country.

Last spring, Sen. Cornyn sent a letter calling on FIFA officials to ensure they are working to prevent human trafficking before, during, and after the 2026 World Cup and requesting that FIFA share information about the steps it is taking to keep people safe in host cities and what resources they are providing to support communities.

This 2026 FIFA World Cup transportation grant funding will:

• Support planning, capital, and operating expenses for matches and other public events held in the host city;
• Account for stadium capacity and number of matches;
• And require transit agencies to obligate these funds within one fiscal year of the close of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.