Representative Sharice Davids, co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional FIFA World Cup 2026 Caucus, hosted a Capitol Hill briefing on Wednesday, April 30, to emphasize the vital role of transportation in the success of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The event brought together transit officials from World Cup host cities to discuss ongoing preparations, expected challenges, and the need for coordinated investment in infrastructure and operations at all levels of government.

“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.”

With just over a year until the tournament begins, speakers underscored the urgency of ensuring transit systems are ready to support the influx of visitors. The U.S. will host 78 matches over 39 days in 11 cities across nine states, with each venue required to have an airport nearby capable of handling at least 1,450 passengers per hour. In addition to the matches, cities must accommodate daily celebrations and large crowds.

The economic impact of the tournament is expected to be substantial, with projections of 185,000 full-time jobs, $30.5 billion in gross output, and $17.2 billion added to the U.S. GDP.