FOXBOROUGH, MASS. – With a licensing deadline approaching in two weeks, organizers for the Boston World Cup informed Foxborough town officials that they would cover approximately $8 million in security expenses, yet the two parties remained in disagreement during a town meeting on Tuesday evening.
Gary Ronan, an attorney from Goulston & Storrs representing the Boston 2026 host committee, conveyed to town officials that the organization “is prepared to cover all necessary expenses … to ensure these events are conducted safely,” and noted that it has a commitment from the Kraft Group, the stadium’s owner, to cover any financial gaps.
He further stated that the host committee would settle any charges within two business days of receiving an invoice.
“If payment is not received, you have the option to terminate the license,” Ronan remarked. “The subsequent soccer match will not take place.”
The board is set to vote on granting FIFA a license to utilize the stadium for seven World Cup matches at its upcoming meeting on March 17. Gillette Stadium is scheduled to host its inaugural match on June 13, featuring Scotland against Haiti.
The core of the disagreement revolves around nearly $8 million that the town claims is necessary to compensate Foxborough police. The federal government has allocated $625 million for the 11 host cities in the U.S. “to improve security and preparedness,” but the funds are currently delayed due to the partial government shutdown, leaving the amount Foxborough will receive uncertain.
In the interim, town officials indicated they would not utilize taxpayer funds based on a promise of reimbursement from Foxborough. Instead, they are seeking an upfront guarantee of the funds from the organizers.
During a tense discussion, Goulston & Storrs attorney Peter Tamm asserted that town officials have not previously required advance payments for past events and that their authority is constrained by legal limitations. Town officials then consulted their attorney, Lisa Mead, who stated that the board possesses “broad discretion” and that “previous practices … do not limit or bind the board in any manner.”
One board member highlighted that the agreement with FIFA is unprecedented, as the town has historically engaged with the Kraft Group.
The attorneys and town officials disagreed regarding a deadline for the provision of security materials. Ronan mentioned that the equipment would be ready by June 1, to which town officials responded that this timeline was too late.
“We have clearly communicated when that list needs to be obtained, and frankly, some of it is already overdue,” board chair Bill Yukna stated. “Waiting until June 1 is not acceptable.”
Ronan clarified that June 1 was a deadline, not the commencement date for delivery.
Foxborough town manager Paige Duncan noted that police and fire chiefs have been collaborating with FIFA on the security plan for over a year.
Towards the conclusion of the meeting, Foxborough police chief Michael A. Grace addressed the assembly to emphasize the urgency for a prompt resolution.
“We’re 99 days away, and the straightforward solution is very clear: Fund what needs to be funded, and this matter can be resolved by tomorrow,” Grace stated.
After the meeting, Ronan and Tamm refrained from providing additional comments.
Boston 2026 CEO Mike Loynd informed reporters that he felt increasingly optimistic about fulfilling the funding requirements, particularly with the support of the Kraft Group.
“What we face now is just a challenging week or 10 days of work,” he remarked.
