Congresswoman Pou Joins World Cup Security Walkthrough

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - Congresswoman Nellie Pou (D-NJ-09), the top Democrat on the House Task Force assessing security at the 2026 World Cup, joined a delegation of congressional leaders touring MetLife Stadium to monitor progress as the event approaches next summer.

The tour included a roundtable discussion with the New Jersey State Police, Metlife Stadium security coordinators, senior White House officials and representatives from FIFA. During the event, Congresswoman Pou discussed her efforts to secure new resources for state and local law enforcement to address emerging threats and pushed for improved coordination and transparency between FIFA and local elected officials in the region.

"I was happy to welcome members of our Homeland Security Committee and Task Force to our district to see where the World Cup final will be played," said Congresswoman Pou. "All authorities are working hard to protect the event and its participants. I was impressed with the extent of preparations so far. Congress's job here is to help keep everyone working together and provide whatever federal resources we can to assure total security. We have work to do to be ready for next summer."

Following the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 earlier this year, the FIFA World Cup 2026 will play several games, including the final match, in the Congresswoman's New Jersey district. The region anticipates receiving 1.2 million visitors from all over the world, bringing $3 billion to the region, both for games at MetLife stadium and fan festivals.

In February, Committee members traveled to New Orleans to see the preparation for the Super Bowl. In June, the Task Force conducted a site visit to Audi Field, a location for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. The panel's inaugural hearing analyzed the tragedies at the Boston Marathon, Kansas City, and Bourbon Street. This week, the Task Force will hold a briefing with representatives of FIFA to hear about their operational planning and security preparations.

Congresswoman Pou is a member of the House Homeland Security Committee, which has jurisdiction over key agencies at the Department of Homeland Security, tasked with providing security funding and support for the World Cup. This year, Congresswoman Pou offered an amendment to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee portion of the Trump budget that would provide a fresh stream of funding to help for the planning of transportation options to and from the 2026 World Cup and surrounding areas. Unfortunately, it was blocked by House Republicans.

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