Foxborough, Massachusetts, town officials are pressing for details on approximately $8 million in funding required to ensure public safety during the 2026 World Cup matches at Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots.
Urgent Deadline for Funding Confirmation
Town Manager Paige Duncan emphasizes the town’s commitment to hosting the international soccer event but requires funding clarification by mid-March to issue the necessary license to FIFA. In a letter sent to organizers in early January, Duncan warned: “Without a satisfactory resolution of this issue, the Town will not be able to act favorably on your application and finalize licensing, and the seven matches proposed to take place in Foxborough would therefore be at risk.”
Julie Duffy, chief marketing and communications officer for FIFA World Cup Boston 2026, stated: “We are working closely with FIFA, the stadium and the town of Foxborough to reach an agreement.”
Federal Support and Local Constraints
The federal government has allocated $625 million across the U.S.’s 11 host cities to bolster security and preparedness, though the exact amount for Foxborough remains unspecified. Local officials refuse to use taxpayer funds upfront in anticipation of reimbursements.
“While grant funding or reimbursement through third parties may ultimately be available, the Town cannot rely on speculative or downstream funding when making staffing and deployment decisions,” Duncan wrote in the January letter. She added, “It just doesn’t work that way,” noting that Foxborough’s small-town governance involves resident votes on budgets at semi-annual meetings.
The $8 million would primarily support Foxborough police operations in and around the stadium during the events. Gillette Stadium, owned by The Kraft Group under Patriots owner Robert Kraft, sits on town-owned land, for which officials grant licenses similar to those for NFL games.
Next Steps and Potential Outcomes
FIFA representatives plan to attend a Foxborough town hall meeting on February 17. The town has set March 17 as the license approval deadline, with funding issues needing resolution beforehand.
“If nobody gives money, there’s no World Cup in Foxborough,” Duncan stated bluntly. She reiterated her goal: “My ultimate goal is for this to work out so that Foxborough can host the World Cup as planned. We are committed to collaboration, careful planning and public safety, but the significant costs associated with hosting the World Cup cannot fall on local taxpayers.”
Match Schedule at Gillette Stadium
Gillette Stadium hosts its first World Cup game on June 13, featuring Scotland versus Haiti. The venue is also slated for two knockout matches, including a quarterfinal on July 9.
