Foxboro Refuses to Grant World Cup License Over Unpaid Bill

Massachusetts town demands $7 million in event and security fees before allowing games at Gillette Stadium

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The town of Foxboro, Massachusetts is refusing to grant an entertainment license for the 2026 World Cup games scheduled to be held at Gillette Stadium unless the Boston-area organizing committee can pay the $7 million in required event and security fees. Foxboro officials say they cannot simply front the millions needed and will not issue the license until the money is in place.

Why it matters

The World Cup is one of the biggest sporting events in the world, and Gillette Stadium in Foxboro was selected as one of the 16 host venues across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. However, the small town of Foxboro is standing firm, prioritizing the financial protection of its citizens over hosting the high-profile global tournament.

The details

Representatives from the Boston 26 host committee met with the Foxboro Select Board this week, but were unable to provide the $7 million in required fees. Board members expressed shock that the money was not yet secured, with one member saying "I'm going to tell you, this board will not issue this license" until the funds are in place. Foxboro officials cited the need to protect their citizens, describing the World Cup games as the "equivalent of seven Super Bowls" over 39 days that would require extensive security.

  • The Foxboro Select Board will meet again on March 3 to discuss the issue.
  • The deadline to issue the entertainment license is March 17.

The players

Foxboro Select Board

The governing body of the town of Foxboro, Massachusetts that is refusing to grant an entertainment license for the 2026 World Cup games at Gillette Stadium until the required $7 million in event and security fees are paid.

Boston 26

The host city initiative for the 2026 World Cup games that is working with the federal government to secure the necessary funding, but has not yet been able to provide the $7 million required by Foxboro officials.

Gillette Stadium

The home stadium of the New England Patriots that was selected as one of 16 venues to host 2026 World Cup matches, but may not be able to do so without the approval of the Foxboro Select Board.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I'm shocked you're not sitting here in front of us right now saying, 'We got the money for ya,'”

— Mark Elfman, Foxboro Select Board Member (WHDH-TV)

“I'm going to tell you, this board will not issue this license.”

— Stephanie McGowan, Foxboro Select Board Vice Chair (WHDH-TV)

“All we're trying to do is protect our citizens.”

— Bill Yukna, Foxboro Select Board Member (WHDH-TV)

What’s next

The Foxboro Select Board will meet again on March 3 to further discuss the issue, and the deadline to issue the entertainment license is March 17.

The takeaway

This standoff between the Foxboro town officials and the World Cup organizing committee highlights the challenges of hosting a major global sporting event, especially when the financial obligations and security needs of the host community are not fully addressed upfront. It remains to be seen if the required funding can be secured in time to allow the World Cup matches to proceed as planned at Gillette Stadium.