APTA Leaders Tell Congress Funds are Essential for a Safe, Successful FIFA World Cup

Rep. Sharice Davids (D-KS), founder and co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional FIFA World Cup 2026 Caucus, hosted a Capitol Hill briefing with transit agencies from across the U.S. to highlight the critical role transportation will play in ensuring the success of the 2026 FIFA World Cup April 30.

APTA President and CEO Paul P. Skoutelas and several of the association’s members were in attendance and stressed the need for supplemental funding for the entities to carry out the safe and secure transportation services that will be needed for the enormous crowds expected. 

“The 2026 World Cup is a massive opportunity for our communities. We must be prepared,” said Rep. 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.”

“Federal transit investment is delivering strong returns—modernizing systems, reducing maintenance backlogs, and channeling 77 percent of federal funds to U.S. businesses,” said Skoutelas. “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.”

“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. “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.”

 “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, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (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.”

“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.

“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 and CEO, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority.

“The Greater Attleboro Taunton (MA) Regional Transit Authority (GATRA) 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 GATRA Administrator/CEO Mary Ellen Defrias.

Others in attendance included Joshua Powers, director, Johnson County (KS) Transit; Dallas Area Rapid Transit President and CEO Nadine Lee; Conan Cheung, LA Metro chief operations officer; and Felicia Alexander, deputy assistant secretary for policy, USDOT.