Boston Announces World Cup Fan Fest Plans Amid Funding Disputes

Local officials and the World Cup host committee unveil plans for a Fan Fest at City Hall Plaza, but challenges remain over securing an entertainment license and funding for security at Gillette Stadium.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The FIFA World Cup host committee for Boston has announced plans to host a Fan Fest at City Hall Plaza during the tournament, but the committee is still working to secure an entertainment license and funding for security at the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough. Local officials say the town of Foxborough is threatening to withhold the license if it does not receive $7.7 million for security costs, which the Kraft Group that owns the stadium is not currently covering.

Why it matters

The World Cup is a major global sporting event that Boston is hosting, and the Fan Fest and stadium events are crucial to the city's ability to capitalize on the economic impact. However, the funding disputes and licensing issues threaten to disrupt the plans and could leave fans disappointed if the issues are not resolved.

The details

The Boston Host Committee claims the World Cup will generate over $1 billion in economic impact, and the Fan Fest is planned to run for up to 16 days. However, the committee is still working out details like whether the Fan Fest will be free to attend. Meanwhile, the town of Foxborough is demanding $7.7 million from either FIFA or the Kraft Group to cover security costs at Gillette Stadium, where 7 World Cup matches will be held. The town has threatened to withhold the required entertainment license if the funding is not provided by a March 17 deadline.

  • The Boston Host Committee announced the Fan Fest plans on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
  • The town of Foxborough has set a March 17, 2026 deadline to receive the $7.7 million in security funding.

The players

Maura Healey

The Governor of Massachusetts.

Michelle Wu

The Mayor of Boston.

Mike Loynd

The CEO of the Boston Host Committee for the World Cup.

Bill Yukna

The Chair of the Foxborough Select Board.

Paige Duncan

The Town Manager of Foxborough.

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What they’re saying

“We are really determined to make it free at this point. I look around because we do have to fund it. But our goal is to make this a free experience.”

— Mike Loynd, CEO, Boston Host Committee (nytimes.com)

“The town is going to stand behind the request of the $7.7m for both manpower and some capital and expense items. And if they aren't met, then as this board has discussed in the past, the license won't be granted. We are going to be very clear with that.”

— Bill Yukna, Chair, Foxborough Select Board (nytimes.com)

“We believe it is reasonable and appropriate that FIFA and/or event partners provide the funding necessary to support the public safety and operational requirements that come with hosting these matches.”

— Foxborough Town (nytimes.com)

What’s next

The Boston Host Committee is scheduled to meet with the Foxborough Select Board in another week to try to resolve the funding and licensing issues before the March 17 deadline.

The takeaway

The disputes over funding and licensing for the World Cup events in Boston highlight the challenges host cities face in balancing the economic benefits of hosting a global event with the costs and logistical hurdles. Resolving these issues will be crucial for Boston to successfully host the World Cup and provide a positive experience for fans.