Trending Now - Foxborough Reacts to Funding Concerns for World Cup Security

WHO:

Town of Foxborough, Massachusetts

Kraft Group

Boston Soccer 2026 (BS26)

Mike Loynd, President of Boston Soccer 2026

Curtis Franks, General Counsel of Boston Soccer 2026

Bill Yukna, Chair of the Foxborough Select Board

WHAT:

Foxborough officials stated that no agreement has been reached regarding World Cup funding.

The estimated security cost for the World Cup is $7.8 million.

Kraft Sports and Entertainment committed to helping cover security costs.

Boston Soccer 2026 has $2 million in funds available and expects at least $30 million more from government funding and commercial activities.

The town officials expressed that they are "shocked and dismayed" by statements from the Kraft Group.

The town will not finance the Kraft Group’s losses by compromising public safety.

The deadline for the issuance of the entertainment license is March 17, 2026.

The first World Cup match at Gillette Stadium is scheduled for June 13, 2026.

WHERE:

Foxborough, Massachusetts

Gillette Stadium (also referred to as Boston Stadium)

WHEN:

March 17, 2026: Deadline for the entertainment license.

June 13, 2026: Date of the first World Cup match.

A letter was sent on Thursday, March 5, 2026, by Boston Soccer 2026 to Foxborough officials.

WHY:

The funding dispute threatens to derail plans for hosting seven World Cup games at Gillette Stadium.

Foxborough officials are concerned about who will pay the security costs upfront.

HOW:

Boston Soccer 2026 committed to paying public safety costs within two business days of being invoiced.

Kraft Sports and Entertainment stated they would backstop the funding if needed.

Town officials have been met with resistance from the Kraft Group and other event organizers regarding funding agreements.

In Foxborough, Massachusetts, officials have announced that no agreement has been reached regarding funding for the upcoming World Cup, with an estimated security cost of $7.8 million. The Kraft Group has committed to helping cover these costs, but town officials expressed their shock at recent statements from the group, emphasizing that they will not compromise public safety by financing any losses. With a deadline for the entertainment license set for March 17 and the first World Cup match scheduled for June 13, the funding dispute poses a significant threat to hosting the event at Gillette Stadium.