Foxborough Stands Firm on World Cup Security Funding Demands

Town officials refuse to grant entertainment license to FIFA without assurances on security costs

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The Foxborough Select Board is threatening to not grant the entertainment license FIFA needs to host seven World Cup games at Gillette Stadium this summer, as the town's officials remain unsatisfied with the security funding assurances provided by the Boston 2026 host committee. Despite the committee's offer to cover all security costs, the town's police and fire chiefs say the proposed June 1 deadline for procurement of security equipment is too late in the calendar.

Why it matters

Foxborough's refusal to grant the necessary entertainment license could jeopardize FIFA's plans to host World Cup matches at Gillette Stadium, one of the key venues for the 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The town's stance highlights the challenges host communities can face in negotiating security funding arrangements with major sporting event organizers.

The details

At a Foxborough Select Board meeting, attorneys representing the Boston 2026 host committee presented an offer to cover all security costs for the World Cup matches. However, town officials remained unsatisfied, as the proposed June 1 deadline for security equipment procurement was deemed too late by the local police and fire chiefs. The board now says it is two weeks away from potentially not granting the entertainment license FIFA needs to stage the games at Gillette Stadium.

  • The Foxborough Select Board's next scheduled meeting is on March 17, 2026.
  • The Boston 2026 host committee proposed a June 1, 2026 deadline for security equipment procurement.

The players

Foxborough Select Board

The local governing body in Foxborough, Massachusetts that is responsible for granting the entertainment license needed for FIFA to host World Cup matches at Gillette Stadium.

Boston 2026 Host Committee

The organizing committee responsible for coordinating the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches to be held in the Boston area, including at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough.

Kraft Group

The company that owns Gillette Stadium and the New England Patriots, and is part of the Boston 2026 host committee.

U.S. Rep. Stephen Lynch

A Democratic Congressman from Massachusetts who is a co-chair of the Congressional FIFA World Cup Caucus, a bipartisan group charged with facilitating issues surrounding the 2026 World Cup.

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What they’re saying

“I'm 100 percent in support of the Foxborough board of selectmen.”

— U.S. Rep. Stephen Lynch, Co-chair, Congressional FIFA World Cup Caucus (Boston Globe)

“The host committee would pay any costs within two business days of being invoiced.”

— Gary Ronan, Attorney, Goulston & Storrs (ESPN.com)

What’s next

The Foxborough Select Board will decide at its next meeting on March 17, 2026 whether to grant the entertainment license FIFA needs to host World Cup matches at Gillette Stadium.

The takeaway

This standoff between Foxborough officials and the World Cup host committee highlights the challenges host communities can face in securing adequate funding and logistical support for major sporting events. The town's firm stance on security costs and timelines underscores the importance of thorough planning and transparent negotiations between event organizers and local authorities.