US EditionFoxboro Threatens to Cancel FIFA World Cup Matches at Gillette Stadium if It Doesn't Get Security Money
Foxborough select board demands $7.8 million upfront for security at Gillette Stadium, refusing to burden taxpayers before approving World Cup entertainment license.
- On Tuesday, the Foxborough select board declined to issue the entertainment license after organizers failed to clarify who would pay the $7.8 million security cost, and voted not to grant it to FIFA, the Kraft Group, or the Boston 26 host committee.
- Demanding $7.8 million, Foxborough told organizers to guarantee security funding, saying the town of 18,000 cannot front costs and that this would strain the municipal budget.
- FIFA's Kevin Clark said the organization is not in a position to comment on financial requirements, deferring to the stadium and host city, while Mike Loynd acknowledged public-safety obligations but offered no payment guarantees.
- If unresolved, the stalemate could cost Gillette Stadium the seven World Cup games it is expected to host this summer, with local businesses watching closely as major safety equipment still needs ordering and the town's fiscal calendar ends during the games.
- On March 3 the select board and organizers will meet again ahead of a March 17, 2026 license deadline, while Gov. Maura Healey said the state is still waiting for some federal money to come through.
16 Articles
16 Articles
Why Foxboro is threatening to withhold licenses for 2026 FIFA World Cup at Boston Stadium
The chiefs of the Foxboro police and fire departments have been preparing for roughly three years to ensure everyone attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup has a safe and memorable experience, but town leaders are growing increasingly frustrated over who will cover the public safety costs.
World Cup Games At Gillette Stadium At Risk As Local Officials Deny Issue License Over Security Issue
Soccer net at Gillette Stadium Gillette Stadium is supposed to be the site of a number of World Cup games when North America serves as one of the hosts for that international showdown this year. However, organizers have run into an issue as officials in the town the Patriots call home refuse to issue the license the venue needs to host those contests. The World Cup will be returning to the United States for the first time in over 30 years this s…
Foxboro threatens to cancel FIFA World Cup matches at Gillette Stadium if it doesn't get security money
Foxboro, Massachusetts is doubling down on its threat to cancel the FIFA World Cup matches at Gillette Stadium if it does not receive the security money needed to host the event.
The Record
World Cup funding red flag at Gillette Stadium: Foxboro fights for clarity from FIFA
Foxboro is not backing down in its fight for clarity from FIFA on who is responsible for World Cup security costs at Gillette Stadium, as the license for the event remains up in the air.
Foxborough board won't issue World Cup licenses until security costs are covered
As Foxborough prepares for FIFA World Cup games at Gillette Stadium this summer, town officials want to know who's paying for safety and security. At a public meeting Tuesday select board members expressed frustration at a lack of answers from FIFA and the Boston organizing committee. On Wednesday, Gov. Maura Healey said she's "confident that things will work out."
Foxborough blasts World Cup organizers for failing to clarify ...
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