Foxborough Officials Seek Funding Clarity for World Cup Preparations

omidbasir- Officials in Foxborough, Massachusetts, are currently seeking clarification regarding approximately $8 million required to ensure public safety during this summer’s World Cup matches at Gillette Stadium, the home of the New England Patriots.

Foxborough Town Manager Paige Duncan informed ESPN that the town is dedicated to hosting the international soccer tournament but needs clear funding assurances by mid-March. This deadline is crucial for granting FIFA the necessary license to hold the event.

In a letter sent to the organizers in early January, which ESPN reviewed, Duncan stated, “Without a satisfactory resolution of this issue, the Town will not be able to act favorably on your application and finalize licensing, putting the seven proposed matches in Foxborough at risk.”

Julie Duffy, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer for FIFA World Cup Boston 2026, confirmed to ESPN that they are working closely with FIFA, the stadium, and the town of Foxborough to reach an agreement.

FIFA referred ESPN to Duffy for additional comments and declined to provide further information.

The federal government has allocated $625 million to the 11 host cities in the U.S. for “enhancing security and preparedness”; however, the exact amount that Foxborough will receive remains unclear. Town officials have expressed concerns about advancing taxpayer money and awaiting reimbursement.

Duncan highlighted in her January letter, “While grant funding or reimbursement through third parties may ultimately be available, the Town cannot rely on speculative or downstream funding when making staffing and deployment decisions. It just doesn’t work that way.”

She further noted that Foxborough is a small town where residents participate in budget decisions during semiannual town meetings.

The requested $8 million is intended to cover police expenses in Foxborough, responsible for law enforcement in and around Gillette Stadium. Although the stadium is owned by The Kraft Group, led by Patriots owner Robert Kraft, the town owns the land and provides the same licensing for NFL games that FIFA is currently seeking.

Duncan mentioned that FIFA representatives are scheduled to attend a town hall meeting in Foxborough on February 17. The town has set a deadline of March 17 for granting the license, emphasizing that funding issues must be addressed before then.

“If nobody gives money, there’s no World Cup in Foxborough,” Duncan said.

She expressed her commitment to ensuring that Foxborough can host the World Cup as planned, stating, “We are dedicated to collaboration, careful planning, and public safety, but the significant costs associated with hosting the World Cup cannot fall on local taxpayers.”

Gillette Stadium is expected to host its first World Cup game on June 13, featuring Scotland versus Haiti, and will also serve as the venue for two knockout games, including a quarterfinal on July 9.