Gottheimer brings $8.5 million to defray N.J. security costs for World Cup

Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-Tenafly) has secured $8.5 million in federal funding to help New Jersey law enforcement agencies cover security costs associated with the 2026 FIFA World Cup at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

The money, provided through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Homeland Security Grant Program, will support local police departments, the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, and the New Jersey State Police as they prepare for one of the world’s largest sporting events.

“This is a massive moment for New Jersey and for the entire country, and we need to make sure our officers and first responders have the resources to do their jobs,” Gottheimer stated. “Our local county prosecutor, law enforcement officers, and State Troopers are working overtime to keep people safe during the World Cup. They need the funding to match.”

MetLife Stadium will host eight World Cup matches, including the championship game, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors to North Jersey over the next several weeks, many of whom are staying at New York hotels, eating at New York restaurants, and patronizing New York small businesses – and not staying at the Secaucus Hilton and dining at Rutt’s Hut.

Gottheimer pushed back on New York’s attempt to put its name on the facility.

“The stadium is in Jersey. The games are in Jersey. The final is in Jersey,” he said.

According to Gottheimer, the funding follows months of discussions with the White House, FEMA, and federal homeland security officials. He argued that local departments were facing substantial overtime costs and operational demands without adequate federal support.

Of the $8.5 million allocation, $3 million will be distributed to police departments in municipalities surrounding MetLife Stadium and the Meadowlands Sports Complex, including Carlstadt, East Rutherford, Lyndhurst, Moonachie, Rutherford, Little Ferry, North Arlington, and Wood-Ridge. The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office will oversee the distribution of those funds.

An additional $1.5 million will go directly to the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office to support the county’s FIFA Task Force, which coordinates security operations among dozens of local departments and maintains emergency response capabilities throughout the tournament.

The largest share, $4 million, will be allocated to the New Jersey State Police, which will lead security operations at MetLife Stadium and the Meadowlands Complex while also assisting with fan events and team activities across the state.

Of the $8.5 million allocation, $3 million will be distributed to police departments in municipalities surrounding MetLife Stadium and the Meadowlands Sports Complex, including Carlstadt, East Rutherford, Lyndhurst, Moonachie, Rutherford, Little Ferry, North Arlington, and Wood-Ridge. The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office will oversee the distribution of those funds.