U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids (KS-03) Hosts FIFA World Cup Briefing with Transit Agencies from Across the Country
April 30, 2025
Press Release
Today, Representative Sharice Davids, founder and co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional FIFA World Cup 2026 Caucus, hosted a 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.
“The 2026 World Cup is a massive opportunity for our communities. We must be prepared,” said Davids. “That means making sure our transit systems are safe, reliable, and ready to welcome the world. These investments aren’t just about the tournament — they’re a down payment on the future of our cities. I’m excited to keep working with local, state, and federal partners to make sure we get this right and our communities succeed.”
“America is honored to play host to one of the world’s biggest sporting events – the World Cup,” said Representative Buddy Carter (R-GA-01). “In 2026, people from near and far will visit cities nationwide, including Atlanta, to cheer on their teams, and it is essential that communities have the resources to support travelers and keep them safe. This is an opportunity to put our best foot forward and showcase America’s transit system to the entire world, and it’s critical that we have federal support to do just that.”
The 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 more than a year until the tournament begins, the event served as a call to action for coordinated, proactive investment in infrastructure and operations.
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 not only manage the matches themselves, but also 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.
“In 411 days, the Kansas City region will host its first 2026 World Cup match,” said Frank White III, President & CEO, Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA). “It is estimated that 650,000 unique visitors will see for themselves what makes Kansas City so special. And public transportation will be the connection ensuring a memorable fan experience, no matter where you call home.”
“Johnson County, Kansas has been fortunate to be a bit ahead of the curve in preparing for the World Cup by getting vehicles, staffing, and a plan for transit service in place nearly two years before the event,” said Joshua C. Powers, Director, Transit Division, Johnson County. “That said, even with the partnership of our cities, Transportation Authority, and our state government, we know that we absolutely need the support of federal funding to make these plans a reality. The Federal Transit Administration and USDOT have been critical in getting to this point, but without funding for transit operations, we will not be able to respond to the World Cup in the manner the event deserves.”
“Over the next three years, Los Angeles will host dozens of major sporting events and festivals, including the FIFA World Cup in 2026, the Club World Cup this summer, the NBA All Star Game, the Superbowl in 2027, and the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2028,” said Stephanie Wiggins, CEO, LA Metro. “That means we’ll welcome millions of visitors — on top of the millions of Angelenos who rely on our system every day. It’s imperative that we provide world class service for these global events and leave a legacy of transit improvements that will help our residents thrive after the last whistle is blown. Thank you to the bipartisan Congressional FIFA World Cup 2026 Caucus for convening this important conversation to maximize collaboration, so we can put America’s best foot forward as we welcome the world.”
“We appreciate the U.S. House of Representatives considering transportation funding to help U.S. markets hosting FIFA World Cup events in 2026,” said Michael Morris, P.E., Director of Transportation, Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Planning Organization. “Transit interests from across the country are coming together as an integrated team seeking a financial partnership to maximize the safety and effectiveness of transportation systems to accommodate visitors from across the country and around the world.”
“We have focused relentlessly on rider safety and are ready to offer fans a world-class transit experience,” said Bob Powers, General Manager, San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART). “These efforts include the installation of state-of-the-art fare gates to deter unwanted behavior, the launch of a first-of-its-kind progressive policing bureau, and right-sizing trains to create safer spaces. Our efforts are paying off with a 23 percent drop in violent crime.”
"With seven matches in Massachusetts and many related activities in the Boston area next year, we continue to collaborate closely with host cities across the country in preparation for delivering the robust levels of service needed to ensure the success of this international event," said Phillip Eng, General Manager & CEO, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA). "By working with our transit partners in other cities, we're striving to make public transportation a consistently reliable and accessible option for people traveling to and from matches and other events."
“The Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority is excited to partner with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority and Rhode Island public transit, along with our fellow Regional Transit Authorities in Massachusetts to showcase how multiple modes of transportation can come together for a successful event,” said Mary Ellen Defrias, Administrator/CEO, Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority (GATRA).
“Federal transit investment is delivering strong returns — modernizing systems, reducing maintenance backlogs, and channeling 77 percent of federal funds to U.S. businesses” said Paul P. Skoutelas, President and CEO, American Public Transportation Association (APTA). “Public transportation plays a key role in cities hosting successful large-scale events like concerts and sports games — driving revenue, creating jobs, and proving transit investments are powerful economic catalysts. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the equivalent of hosting 45 Super Bowls within just 39 days across 11 U.S. cities and will require public transit agencies to significantly expand capacity, hours, and safety resources—all of which demands additional funding to maintain reliable service for the 5.8 million fans organizers are expecting."
Along with Davids, speakers at today’s briefing included representatives from the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority, Johnson County Transit, North Central Texas Council of Governments, Dallas Area Rapid Transit, LA Metro, San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District, Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, American Public Transportation Association, and U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT).