Missouri awarded $14M in federal funding for World Cup drone security
Missouri has been awarded around $14 million in federal grant funding for drone security during the World Cup in 2026.
The funding comes from a $250 million pot of money the Federal Emergency Management Agency is doling out through a new Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems grant program. Recipients can use the money to “strengthen their ability to detect, identify, track, or mitigate unmanned aircraft system,” FEMA said.
Money will go to the 11 states hosting World Cup matches and to the National Capital Region, which will host events next year for the country’s 250th birthday, FEMA said.
Next year, another $250 million will be awarded more broadly “with an expanded focus on building detection and response capacity nationwide,” FEMA said.
Missouri’s Department of Public Safety said the state was receiving $14.24 million in the first round of funding.
“As we plan with our local partners in Kansas City, we are taking into account every potential threat related to World Cup matches and other FIFA-related events,” Missouri Department of Public Safety Director Mark James said in a news release. “This includes being prepared for potential threats from hostile actors who utilize technology, including unmanned aircraft systems. The 2026 World Cup is a global event, and we will be fully prepared to detect and respond accordingly.”
Kansas City will host four group stage World Cup matches in June and two knockout-round matches in July.
