Foxborough says they still don't have $7.8M needed for World Cup security – NBC Boston

Funding for security for Boston’s seven 2026 FIFA World Cup matches has been a point of contention for the town of Foxborough.
With fewer than 100 days until the start of the FIFA World Cup, Foxborough officials said they will not issue a required license to host seven matches at Gillette Stadium unless they receive nearly $8 million up front to cover security costs.
Town leaders say the estimated $7.8 million is needed in advance — not as a reimbursement or promise of payment from FIFA.
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The Kraft Group, which owns Gillette Stadium, said in a letter it is committing to pay the town for all security costs within days of receiving invoices. But the town’s Select Board chair rejected what he called “a one-sided announcement.”
“… What they have presented is essentially an agreement with themselves … any suggestion that BS26 or the Kraft Group have adequately addressed the Town’s concerns is false,” said Select Board Chair Bill Yukna.
Uncertainty surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup has dampened excitement among some fans.
“Definitely looking forward to the World Cup and hoping it will work out financially,” said Boston soccer fan Arlo Grey.
Others said enthusiasm has faded as the financial dispute drags on.
“Less people are like ‘oh my God the World Cup!’ and I think a lot of people are more like ‘ugh World Cup’ like it’s feeling a little weighted and heavy,” said Boston resident Dia Donnelly.
Emerson College communications professor Vincent Raynauld said the public dispute so close to the event could hurt FIFA’s image.
“The town wants to make sure that they can sort of hold and host all the events, but at the same time be responsible fiscally, but more importantly, be seen as responsible fiscally,“ he said. “It’s not really great for its reputation, but also it’s for his future activities in the Commonwealth, but also internationally.”
Donnelly said the federal government — which has not yet disbursed FEMA funds to host cities, citing a partial shutdown — also shares responsibility.
“The minute you accepted the offer to host the World Cup was when you said ‘I can pay the bill,’ so I think it would be really nice for them to clear that up and make this a fun event because right now, nah,” she said.
The Kraft Group said in a follow-up statement that they never claimed to have reached an agreement with the town and that they were simply making an offer in good faith.
The town said covering security would represent about 10% of its annual budget and maintains FIFA should pay up front. The deadline to issue the license to FIFA is March 17.

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