World Cup plans at risk as Foxborough pushes for security funding

Local News

Town officials say they will withhold Gillette Stadium’s entertainment license unless organizers secure funding for police and safety operations.

The FIFA World Cup Boston 2026 logo on display at Gillette Stadium. Danielle Parhizkaran / The Boston Globe, File

With the World Cup just months away, Foxborough officials are warning they may block matches at Gillette Stadium unless organizers pay upfront for local security.

At a Select Board meeting last week, Chair Bill Yukna said the town has requested $7.7 million to cover police and safety operations — and won’t issue the required entertainment license until that money is secured.

“This event is not Foxborough’s event,” he said at the hearing. “This is a national, international event, and it’s not up to the town of Foxborough to support or pay for any of this.”

Foxborough officials said they need the funds to cover police details and security ahead of the seven games scheduled at Gillette.

Massachusetts is receiving just over $47 million of the $625 million in federal funds earmarked to address safety and security concerns in the 11 host cities in the U.S. Communities can apply for a share of the funds through the state, with the Boston host committee overseeing the process.

Foxborough applied for the money. But at the hearing, Yukna said it is unlikely the town will receive the full $7.7 million it requested, adding that the money won’t come until later, putting the town in a tricky situation.

Town Manager Paige Duncan said at the meeting that even if the grant comes through, it’s a reimbursement, adding that the town is not in a position to put forward millions of dollars upfront and “hope to be reimbursed.”

It’s still unclear who will foot the bill. Yukna said at the meeting that the town has discussed the issue with the Kraft Group, which owns Gillette Stadium, regarding certain grant-funded items.

Julie Duffy, a spokesperson for FIFA World Cup Boston 2026, told The Boston Globe they are working with FIFA, the stadium, and the town to reach an agreement.

Duffy did not immediately respond to a request for an update on Monday.

Gov. Maura Healey previously proposed $20 million in state funding to support public safety, transportation, and celebrations. However, the state Legislature approved only $10 million.

“We are committed to ensuring that municipalities, especially Foxborough, have the support they need to make this a successful event through state, federal and private funds,” a spokesperson for the governor said in a statement.

The Foxborough Select Board set a March 17 deadline to settle the funding issue.

“Our chiefs are the ones responsible for the security and safety of the facilities,” Yukna said. “Their needs need to be met, or this cannot be an event that moves forward.”

Beth Treffeisen is a general assignment reporter for Boston.com, focusing on local news, crime, and business in the New England region.

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