Foxborough officials say Gillette Stadium may not receive a license to host matches unless an estimated $8 million security bill is resolved.
World Cup woes: U.S. town still hasn’t reached agreement to fund FIFA license, “All we’re trying to do is protect our citizens”
Foxborough’s status as a host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is still in limbo over how security will be funded during the tournament. After weeks of discussions with Boston 2026 and the Kraft Group, Foxborough town officials still don’t have the money required to give FIFA a license for the seven World Cup games scheduled there this summer.
Gillette Stadium, home of the NFL’s New England Patriots, is due to host seven games at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including a round-of-32 match and a quarterfinal clash. “It’s the equivalent of seven Super Bowls in 39 days of coverage,” said Bill Yukna, president of the Town of Foxborough’s select board, during a meeting on February 17.
NEW: World Cup in Boston remains at risk:
— Adam Crafton (@AdamCrafton_) March 6, 2026
“The Town of Foxborough was shocked and dismayed to read statements to the media made by the Kraft Group and other event organizers that an agreement has been reached with the Town.”
Full statement her: pic.twitter.com/4tRMu6SJXA
Security costs raise Foxborough concerns
Policing and providing security for “seven Super Bowls” requires an estimated $8 million investment to ensure public safety, the town believes. However, there is significant uncertainty about who will foot the bill, and time is quickly running out.
The select board has set a deadline of March 17 for a license, which covers the entire 39 days of the tournament, to be awarded. Safety equipment needs to be ordered as soon as possible, while the town’s fiscal calendar ends while the tournament is being played.
For games to be played, the town, which owns the land on which Gillette Stadium sits, must issue FIFA an entertainment license. However, Vice Chair Stephanie McGowan says that will not happen under the current circumstances. “We’re not prepared to issue this license unless everything is in place,” McGowan said at Tuesday’s meeting. “I’m gonna tell you, this board will not issue this license.”
Who pays for World Cup security?
Mike Loynd, president of the Boston 2026 host committee, said the host committee is responsible for public safety under the hosting agreement, but was unable to answer several questions about who would be fronting the cash.
McGowan explained that Foxborough believes World Cup organizers should be paying for the project, which The Kraft Group, headed by Patriots owner Robert Kraft, does to obtain a license for NFL games.
Town officials insist taxpayer money will not be used for funding, even with a promise that it would be paid back. Yukna revealed the Kraft Group is in talks to contribute a percentage of the cost, provided it is reimbursed by a federal grant, but that would still leave a significant amount unpaid.
Federal funding still unclear
The federal government has pledged to distribute $625 million among the 11 host cities in the United States, although how that money will be allocated remains unclear.
Mark Elfman, a member of the Town of Foxborough board of selectmen, said: “it baffles my mind that you guys are sitting here in front of me right now and how we still have no idea where this money’s coming from.”
“It sounds like Foxborough is being the bad guys here but all we’re trying to do is protect our citizens,” responded Yukna.
There is still no deal guaranteeing World Cup games at Gillette Stadium.
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) March 6, 2026
The town of Foxborough is withholding FIFA’s required entertainment license until it’s assured it won’t be responsible for $7.8M in security costs.
Officials remain hopeful
Julie Duffy, the Boston 2026 chief marketing and communications officer, offered a glimmer of optimism, telling The Athletic, “All key stakeholders are collaboratively engaged in continued partnership, progress is being made daily and we remain confident we’ll reach a positive outcome over the coming weeks.”
However, the fact that Duffy did not reveal what specific progress has been made has done little to ease fears that Boston could lose the World Cup. With the March 17 deadline approaching, the clock is ticking.
Related stories
Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that of this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.
Complete your personal details to comment