$250 Million in Federal Funding Available Now for FIFA World Cup 2026 Host States and Cities

Application Deadline: December 5, 2025, 5:00 PM ET; Full $500 Million Program to Support All U.S. Cities in Building Drone Security Infrastructure

October 31, 2025 - The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) just released $250 million in federal funding for counter-drone security—the first half of a $500 million commitment to protect American cities from aerial threats.

Who's Eligible

States with FIFA World Cup 2026 host and supporting cities: Texas, Florida, New York, New Jersey, California, Georgia, Missouri, Kansas, Massachusetts, Washington, Pennsylvania. These states should collaborate with local government agencies who host or support the FIFA World Cup.

Plus: National Capital Region

Why It Matters

FIFA's Chief Safety Officer identified drones as the greatest security challenge for the World Cup. But this funding opportunity extends far beyond tournament security:

• $55B drone market by 2030
• Enable commercial delivery and BVLOS operations
• Enhance emergency response capabilities
• Protect critical infrastructure long-term

The remaining $250M will soon be available to all 56 states and U.S. territories.

What's Covered

The C-UAS Grant follows the POETE framework (Planning, Organization, Equipment, Training, Exercises):

• Planning of UAS detection and mitigation protocols and assessment of preferred locations.
• Detection & tracking: Radar, RF systems, cameras, acoustic sensors, ADS-B
• Friend-or-foe identification and Remote ID integration
• Multi-agency coordination and command center integration
• FBI-certified training programs
• Response plan testing and exercises

Application Requirements

Applications go through State Administrative Agencies (SAAs)—coordinate with your state now.

Required:

• UEI and active SAM.gov registration
• Investment Justification showing gaps, objectives, and POETE alignment
• DHS/DOJ C-UAS policy compliance

Post-award: Draft Implementation Plan due 60 days after acceptance.

The Gap Cities Must Fill

Cities need comprehensive Drone Operations Management Systems (DOMS) to effectively manage the complex airspace challenges ahead:

• Coordinate multiple simultaneous operations across departments
• Integrate C-UAS detection technologies with public safety systems
• Maintain real-time airspace awareness for authorized and unauthorized activity
• Ensure FAA compliance (LAANC, B4UFLY, Remote ID)
• Support Part 108 BVLOS operations
• Enable multi-agency coordination during security incidents

Timeline: Act Now

Days 1-33: Coordinate with SAA, form working group, draft Investment Justification, submit via FEMA GO

Reality: Not every city will receive funding. DHS prioritizes applications showing clear threats, comprehensive strategies, proven partnerships, and implementation readiness.

Opportunity: Cities building drone infrastructure now will lead for decades. Those who wait will scramble without systems—missing economic opportunities and federal investment.

How Airspace Link Can Help You Succeed

Time is short. We're here to help you move fast.

As an FAA-approved LAANC and B4UFLY provider, Airspace Link delivers the digital infrastructure cities need for comprehensive drone operations management and counter UAS security. Our AirHub Portal platform already manages 100,000+ monthly users across 6,000+ businesses and government agencies nationwide.

We've successfully deployed Drone Operations Management Systems (DOMS) for major metropolitan areas running the largest drone programs in the U.S., federal military installations requiring comprehensive airspace security, and high-profile public events including major sporting championships.

Our expertise includes:

• Structuring Investment Justifications that demonstrate POETE framework alignment
• Designing Implementation Plans that meet DHS timelines and compliance requirements
• Integrating C-UAS detection technologies with comprehensive drone operations platforms
• Establishing multi-agency coordination frameworks that work under pressure
• Connecting cities to FAA-approved ADSP networks for Part 108 compliance
• Building vendor-agnostic systems that serve both security and economic development objectives

We understand the urgency. With just days to deadline, you need a partner who knows the grant requirements, has proven technology, and can accelerate your path from application to implementation.

We want to help your city succeed. Whether you're preparing your Investment Justification, planning your implementation strategy, or building long-term drone operations infrastructure, Airspace Link has the experience and platform to guide you through this opportunity.

Act Now

• $250 million available
• December 5, 2025 deadline
• World Cup June 2026

The next few months will determine whether your city secures funding for World Cup security and long-term drone economy leadership.

Contact Airspace Link

📧 marketing@airspacelink.com

Let's discuss your application strategy, Investment Justification, and comprehensive drone operations infrastructure.

Airspace Link provides Drone Operations Management Systems (DOMS) and UTM solutions for municipalities, federal/military organizations, and commercial entities. As an FAA-approved supplier, we serve as the air traffic control system for drones.

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@Rich Fahle just FYI - this deadline is for the states to submit to DHS. There will be internal state deadlines, but they haven't been published yet. Probably sometime before Thanksgiving.