As the 2026 World Cup draws closer, a small New England town finds itself locked in a high-stakes standoff with the biggest governing body in global football.
On a snowy evening at Foxboro Town Hall in Foxborough, Massachusetts, tensions flared over a $7.8 million security funding gap tied to this summer’s tournament. With just over three months until kickoff, local officials have refused to grant the entertainment license required to host seven World Cup matches at Gillette Stadium, unless someone can step up to guarantee the money.
The 65,000-seat stadium, home to the NFL’s New England Patriots and MLS side New England Revolution, is owned by the Kraft Group. During the tournament, however, control of the venue shifts to FIFA, which requires the town’s license to stage matches, including a round-of-32 game and a quarter-final. Yet at the latest select board meeting, FIFA itself was nowhere to be seen.
Instead, representation came from Boston Soccer 2026, the local nonprofit host committee set up to support the tournament. Its president, Mike Loynd, arrived flanked by attorneys who outlined a proposal intended to break the deadlock: the host committee would commit to covering public safety costs and pay police invoices within two days. If funds fell short, Kraft Sports & Entertainment would “backstop” the difference.
Foxboro, a town of just 18,000 residents, calculates it will cost $7.8 million to cover policing and public safety throughout FIFA’s exclusive use period, which stretches from late May to early July. That figure represents roughly 10 percent of the town’s annual budget which is a staggering burden for local taxpayers.
The select board’s position is clear: until full funding is secured upfront, no license will be issued. Members argue the town never agreed to shoulder these costs when the original hosting agreements were signed. Those agreements allow FIFA to retain tournament revenues from the big 3 : tickets, broadcasting, and sponsorship, while host cities absorb safety and security expenses.
The host committee attempted to reassure officials that funding would be guaranteed. But a critical detail reignited tensions: attorneys suggested police equipment and materials would be ready by June 1, just 10 days before the tournament begins. This didn’t go down well. Security equipment requires installation, programming, and training well in advance. Waiting until June, they argued, would risk compromising safety preparations.
For Foxboro’s elected officials, who receive just a small monthly stipend for their roles, the issue is straightforward: protect local taxpayers first. For tournament organizers, the clock is ticking.
A final decision is expected on March 17.