Foxborough Officials Seek Clarity on World Cup Security Funding as FIFA Remains Noncommittal

omidbasir- FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – In the wake of a public dispute regarding World Cup security funding, FIFA representatives failed to provide clear answers to Foxborough officials during a tense town meeting on Tuesday night.

During the meeting held in the wood-paneled town hall, Mike Loynd, president of the Boston 2026 host committee, faced repeated inquiries about the nearly $8 million that the town estimates it will require to ensure public safety for the seven World Cup games at Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots.

“I must be honest, it baffles me that you are all here and we still do not know where the funding is coming from,” stated board member Mark Elfman.

Foxborough Town Manager Paige Duncan informed ESPN earlier this month that the town is committed to hosting the global soccer tournament this summer; however, clarification on funding is needed by mid-March to issue FIFA the required event license. Two weeks later, the town seemed no closer to obtaining the necessary information.

Select board chair Bill Yukna posed a crucial question to Loynd, asking, “Is FIFA, as the licensee, ultimately responsible if no other funding is secured?”

“That’s quite a broad question,” Loynd responded.

“It really isn’t,” Elfman interjected.

While Loynd stated that the host committee bears responsibility for public safety under the hosting agreement, he did not clarify the source of the funding.

Kevin Clark, director of venue operations for FIFA 26, informed town officials that he could only address operational concerns. “FIFA 26 is focused on operational cooperation with the stadium. Regarding the financial agreement, we must defer to the stadium and the host city,” he explained. “We cannot comment on financial requirements.”

The federal government has allocated $625 million for security and preparedness across the 11 U.S. host cities, yet it remains unclear how much of this amount will be distributed to Foxborough. Town officials reiterated their unwillingness to spend taxpayer money based on a promise of reimbursement. They are demanding that the organizers guarantee funding upfront.

Select board vice chair Stephanie McGowan asserted that the town would withhold the FIFA license until satisfactory answers are provided. “We are not prepared to issue this license unless all conditions are met,” she emphasized. “This board will not sign off on this license.”

Duncan previously noted that the $8 million would cover the costs incurred by Foxborough police, who are 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 grants licenses for NFL games that FIFA now seeks for the World Cup.

McGowan highlighted that the Kraft Group is expected to provide funding for projects, and similarly, the World Cup organizers should meet that expectation. “How could we justify accommodating an entity coming into our town for 39 days, making all these demands, and then simply walk away?” she questioned. “Once Boston26 is no longer involved, who will be held accountable?”

Yukna mentioned that while the Kraft Group has stated it is not responsible for funding, discussions are ongoing about the possibility of providing upfront funds with reimbursement from the federal grant. However, he noted that this would only cover a portion of the total amount needed.

In closing, Yukna expressed the town’s desire to be a supportive partner and successfully host the tournament. “We want nothing more than to simply sign the agreement and ensure that financial concerns do not overshadow the events,” he said.

Following the meeting, Foxborough’s police and fire chiefs engaged with FIFA officials in the town hall foyer, although Police Chief Michael Grace declined to comment to ESPN.

When approached in the parking lot, Clark also opted not to provide additional remarks, stating, “I have to refer you to FIFA.org.”

Loynd answered questions from local television reporters before departing, hinting at the status of the federal funds: “Any day now.”

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