Officials in Foxborough, Massachusetts, are seeking clarification regarding the origin of approximately $8 million they claim is necessary to support public safety for this summer’s World Cup matches at the New England Patriots’ home stadium.
Foxborough town manager Paige Duncan informed ESPN that the town is dedicated to hosting the international soccer tournament but requires clarity on funding by mid-March to provide FIFA with the necessary license to conduct the event.
“Without a satisfactory resolution to this matter, the Town will be unable to favorably process your application and finalize licensing, putting the seven matches planned for Foxborough at risk,” Duncan stated in a letter sent to the organizers in early January, which ESPN has reviewed.
Julie Duffy, chief marketing and communications officer for FIFA World Cup Boston 2026, stated to ESPN: “We are collaborating closely with FIFA, the stadium, and the town of Foxborough to reach an agreement.”
FIFA referred ESPN to Duffy and declined to provide additional comments.
The federal government has allocated $625 million for the 11 host cities in the U.S. “to improve security and preparedness,” but it remains uncertain how much funding Foxborough will receive. Town officials indicate they cannot use taxpayer funds upfront and wait for reimbursement afterward.
“While grant funding or reimbursement from third parties may eventually be accessible, the Town cannot depend on uncertain or future funding when making staffing and deployment decisions,” Duncan wrote in the January letter.
“It simply doesn’t operate that way,” Duncan told ESPN, noting that Foxborough is a small community where residents vote on budget issues during semi-annual town meetings.
Duncan mentioned that the $8 million would be allocated for the Foxborough police, who are responsible for law enforcement in and around the stadium. Gillette Stadium is owned by The Kraft Group, led by Patriots owner Robert Kraft, but the town owns the land on which it is built and grants the Krafts the same license for NFL games that FIFA is currently requesting.
As per Duncan, FIFA representatives are expected to attend a town hall meeting in Foxborough on February 17. She indicated that the town has established a deadline of March 17 for issuing the license. Financial matters must be resolved by that date.
“If no funding is provided, there will be no World Cup in Foxborough,” Duncan stated.
“My primary objective is for this to be resolved so that Foxborough can host the World Cup as intended,” Duncan added. “We are committed to cooperation, thorough planning, and public safety, but the substantial expenses associated with hosting the World Cup cannot be borne by local taxpayers.”
Gillette Stadium is scheduled to host its first World Cup match on June 13, featuring Scotland against Haiti. It is also set to serve as the venue for two knockout matches, including a quarterfinal on July 9.
