Boston World Cup committee guarantees funds to secure FIFA license
The Boston World Cup committee has formally guaranteed funding to secure the FIFA license for Gillette Stadium, addressing critical concerns over nearly $8 million in security costs. In a letter sent to the Foxborough town officials on March 6, 2026, the Boston Soccer 2026 (BS26) committee confirmed that it will be paying all public safety invoices within two business days of receipt, ensuring no financial burden on the town. This assurance was aimed at settling a dispute that had threatened FIFA’s ability to license the use of the stadium.
Kraft Group Pledges to Cover Any Funding Shortfall
The letter was signed by Boston Soccer 2026 president Mike Loynd and general counsel Curtis Franks. The committee also provided a written documentation that Kraft Sports and Entertainment, a subsidiary of the Kraft Group, will be backing any funding shortfall if required.
The dispute arose because the town required nearly $8 million to pay the local police. While Foxborough is waiting for money from the federal grant, which was delayed by the partial government shutdown, the town officials reported that they will not spend the taxpayers’ money on a promise that Foxborough will be paid back. Instead, the officials said they require the organizers to guarantee the funds up front.
However, the host committee also emphasized it has $2 million in its bank account and expects at least $30 million more from state, commercial, and federal sources. This financial assurance, backed by the Kraft Group, is aimed at resolving the dispute that has delayed the essential entertainment license.
In a local board meeting held earlier this week, two attorneys representing the host committee reported to the town officials that they would grant the fund, but the two sides ended up at odds. Following the meeting, the board chair, Bill Yukna, told reporters that while the host committee made assurances, the town had not recorded it officially. In the letter, the organizers wrote that they believe they have addressed every one of the concerns the local police and fire chiefs have identified for the World Cup.
Scotland vs. Haiti Match to Open Foxborough’s World Cup Schedule
The attorneys and town officials disagreed over the deadline for the delivery of security materials. While Gary Ronan, an attorney for Goulston and Storrs representing the Boston 2026 host committee, said that the equipment would be available by June 1. Ronan clarified that it was a deadline, not the date when delivery would begin.
The town manager of Foxborough, Paige Duncan, said the police and fire chiefs have been working with FIFA on the security plan for nearly a year. After the meeting, Mike Loynd, president of Boston 2026, told reporters that he is feeling more confident about meeting the funding requirements, especially with the backing from the Kraft Group.
Foxborough’s Select Board is scheduled to vote on the license on March 17, on granting FIFA a license to stage seven matches at Gillette Stadium, beginning June 13, when Scotland faces Haiti at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
