Trending Now - Foxborough Secures Support for World Cup Event Costs

WHO:

Mark Elfman, member of the Foxborough Select Board, stated that "Robert Kraft finally agreed to backstop the Boston 2026 payment policy."

James Nolan, chief operating officer of Kraft Group, signed a letter addressed to board members and town manager Paige Duncan.

Bill Yukna, chair of the Foxborough Select Board, stated that "all of our funding concerns have been addressed."

Robert Kraft, owner of the Kraft Group, was thanked by Bill Yukna for his involvement in resolving funding concerns.

Town of Foxborough

Kraft Group, owner Robert Kraft

Boston Soccer 2026, host committee

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey

Foxborough Select Board, including Chair Bill Yukna and member Stephanie McGowan

Foxborough Police Chief Michael A. Grace

U.S. Congressperson Nellie Pou

WHAT:

The Kraft Group agreed to help pay up front the security costs necessary for the World Cup games at Gillette Stadium.

The town of Foxborough and the Kraft Group reached an agreement to allow for the approval of a license necessary for hosting the World Cup games.

The letter from James Nolan outlined that the Kraft Group would provide financial assurances for timely access to funds for public safety personnel and necessary goods and equipment.

The estimated security costs for the seven Gillette Stadium matches are projected to be $7.8 million.

The town of Foxborough has reached a deal with the Kraft Group to issue the entertainment license needed for hosting FIFA World Cup games.

Agreement reached for seven World Cup games at Gillette Stadium

Foxborough demands nearly $8 million up front for security costs

Host committee Boston Soccer 2026 committed to paying public safety costs two business days after invoicing

Host committee has $2 million in funding and expects at least $30 million more

Gillette Stadium scheduled to host first game on June 13, 2026, between Scotland and Haiti

Federal government has earmarked $625 million for 11 U.S. World Cup host cities, but funds delayed

WHERE:

Foxborough, Massachusetts

Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

Boston, Massachusetts, located 25 miles from Foxborough

WHEN:

A vote for the approval of the entirety of the license is scheduled for March 17, 2026.

A public hearing is scheduled for March 17, 2026, to finalize the event license.

March 3, 2026 - Meeting where funding issues were discussed

March 5, 2026 - Letter sent to the town regarding funding commitments

March 6, 2026 - Statements released by Foxborough Select Board and Kraft Group

March 17, 2026 - Deadline for Foxborough Select Board's licensing vote

June 1, 2026 - Procurement deadline for security materials

WHY:

The agreement was reached to resolve funding concerns and ensure that the town would not incur any costs related to the FIFA World Cup.

The agreement states that "the Town of Foxborough will not incur any cost or financial burden related to the FIFA World Cup."

Foxborough refuses to spend taxpayer money on security costs without upfront payment

Concerns over public safety and security for the World Cup events

HOW:

The agreement includes Boston Soccer 2026 providing advance funding for security-related capital expenditures and the full extent of deployment needed for public safety.

Foxborough Select Board engaged in discussions with host committee lawyers regarding funding

Host committee proposed to cover costs after invoicing, but Foxborough officials insisted on immediate funding

Kraft Group offered to backstop any funding shortfall for security needs

(UPDATED March 13, 2026 05:22 UTC)

In a significant development for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, Mark Elfman from the Foxborough Select Board announced that Robert Kraft has agreed to backstop the Boston 2026 payment policy, with James Nolan of the Kraft Group signing a letter to board members and town manager Paige Duncan. The Kraft Group will cover the upfront security costs necessary for the World Cup games at Gillette Stadium, ensuring that the town of Foxborough won't face any financial burdens related to the event. A vote to approve the license required for hosting the games is set for March 17, 2026, as part of the agreement to address funding concerns and provide timely access to funds for public safety needs.

(UPDATED March 12, 2026 19:17 UTC)

In a significant development for the town of Foxborough, chair Bill Yukna announced that all funding concerns have been addressed, thanks in part to the involvement of Kraft Group owner Robert Kraft. The estimated security costs for the seven matches at Gillette Stadium are projected to be $7.8 million, but the town has reached an agreement that ensures it will not incur any financial burden related to the FIFA World Cup. A public hearing is set for March 17 to finalize the entertainment license needed for hosting the games, with Boston Soccer 2026 providing advance funding for necessary security expenditures.

(UPDATED March 12, 2026 11:09 UTC)

In a significant development for the upcoming World Cup, Foxborough, Massachusetts, has reached an agreement to host seven games at Gillette Stadium, with the first match scheduled for June 13, 2026, between Scotland and Haiti. However, the town is demanding nearly $8 million upfront for security costs, insisting they won't use taxpayer money without immediate payment, while the host committee, Boston Soccer 2026, has committed to covering public safety expenses shortly after invoicing. The Foxborough Select Board is set to vote on licensing by March 17, and discussions continue regarding funding, with the Kraft Group offering to help cover any shortfalls.