FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – Two weeks following the public revelation of a disagreement regarding World Cup security funding, FIFA representatives failed to provide Foxborough, Mass. officials with clarity about the funding source during a tense town meeting on Tuesday evening.
In a wood-paneled room on the first floor of Foxborough’s town hall, Mike Loynd, president of the Boston 2026 host committee, faced numerous inquiries regarding who would cover the nearly $8 million that the town estimates it will require for public safety during the seven World Cup matches at the home of the New England Patriots.
“I must be honest, it perplexes me that you are all here in front of me and we still lack clarity on where this funding is coming from,” board member Mark Elfman stated.
Foxborough town manager Paige Duncan informed ESPN earlier this month that the town is dedicated to hosting the international soccer tournament this summer but requires clarification on funding by mid-March to grant FIFA the necessary license to hold the event. Two weeks later, the town appeared no closer to obtaining answers.
In one exchange, select board chair Bill Yukna inquired of Loynd, “Is FIFA, who will be the licensee, ultimately responsible if no other funding comes through?”
“That’s quite a broad question,” Loynd responded.
“It really isn’t,” Elfman countered.
Loynd indicated that the host committee is accountable for public safety as per the hosting agreement, but did not provide clarity regarding the funding.
Kevin Clark, director of venue operations for FIFA 26, informed town officials that he could only address operational inquiries.
“FIFA 26 is here to collaborate operationally with the stadium. Regarding the financial agreement, we must defer to both the stadium and the host city,” Clark stated. “We are not positioned to comment on the financial obligations.”
The federal government has allocated $625 million for the 11 host cities in the U.S. “to enhance security and preparedness,” but it remains uncertain how much Foxborough will receive. Meanwhile, town officials indicated they will not utilize taxpayer funds based on a promise that Foxborough will be reimbursed. Instead, they seek assurance of the funds from the organizers upfront.
Select board vice chair Stephanie McGowan stated that the town would not issue FIFA the license until it received satisfactory answers.
“We are not ready to issue this license unless everything is finalized,” she said. “I can assure you, this board will not issue this license.”
Duncan previously informed ESPN that the $8 million would cover the Foxborough police, who manage law enforcement in and around Gillette Stadium. The stadium is owned by The Kraft Group, led by Patriots owner Robert Kraft, but the town owns the land on which it is situated and grants Kraft the same license for NFL games that FIFA is now requesting.
McGowan remarked on Tuesday night that Foxborough requires the Kraft Group to provide funds for projects and expects the World Cup organizers to do likewise.
“How can anyone expect us to do this for someone who is coming into our town for 39 days, making all these demands, and then you all will just leave?” she asked. “Then once there is no Boston26 … well, who will we hold accountable?”
Yukna noted that while the Kraft Group has claimed it is not responsible for funding, it is in discussions with the town about potentially providing the funds and being reimbursed by the federal grant. However, he mentioned that this would only cover a portion of the total amount.
Towards the conclusion of the meeting, Yukna expressed that Foxborough aims to be good partners and host a successful tournament.
“We desire nothing more than to simply sign on the dotted line and ensure that when the events commence, our concerns are not about the funding,” he stated.
Foxborough police and fire chiefs engaged with the FIFA officials in the town hall foyer following the meeting. Police chief Michael Grace declined to comment to ESPN.
When approached in the parking lot, Clark also declined to comment. “I will have to refer you to FIFA.org,” he stated under the illumination of street lamps.
Loynd answered questions from local TV cameras before departing. He was asked about the specifics of the federal funds.
“Any day now,” he replied.
Gillette Stadium is scheduled to host its first World Cup match on June 13, when Scotland faces Haiti. It is also set to be the venue for two knockout matches, including a quarterfinal on July 9.
