Boston World Cup Organizers Commit to Funding Security Costs Amid Dispute

Boston World Cup organizers, represented by Boston Soccer 2026 president Mike Loynd and general counsel Curtis Franks, have reiterated their commitment to funding security costs associated with hosting the FIFA World Cup at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. This commitment comes in response to concerns raised by local officials regarding nearly $8 million needed for local police expenses. The organizers sent a letter to Foxborough town officials, assuring them that they would pay any public safety costs within two business days of receiving an invoice.

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To bolster their financial assurances, the host committee highlighted that Kraft Sports & Entertainment, a division of the Kraft Group which owns Gillette Stadium, would provide additional funding if necessary. The organizers stated that as of Thursday morning, they had $2 million in their bank accounts and expected to receive at least $30 million more. They emphasized that with their current funds, potential government funding, and the financial backing from Kraft Sports & Entertainment, they are fully capable of covering all costs related to hosting World Cup events.

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Despite these assurances, tensions remain between the host committee and Foxborough town officials. The town is awaiting a federal grant to cover the security costs, which has been delayed due to a partial government shutdown. Town officials have expressed the need for a guarantee of funds upfront, as they have not yet received written confirmation of the organizers' commitments. Bill Yukna, chair of the local board, noted that while the host committee had made verbal assurances, the town had "seen nothing in writing."

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The Foxborough town officials are scheduled to vote on granting FIFA a license to use Gillette Stadium for seven World Cup games at their next meeting on March 17. The first match at the stadium is set for June 13, featuring Scotland against Haiti. The outcome of this vote will be crucial in determining whether the World Cup events can proceed as planned.

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Critics of the host committee's approach have pointed out the lack of written guarantees, which they believe undermines the trust necessary for such a significant event. Local officials are concerned that without firm commitments, the financial burden could fall on the town, particularly in light of the delayed federal funding.

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• “With BS26's current funds, additional government funding and commercial activity, and the financial commitment from KSE, there can be no doubt that BS26 has the means to pay all amounts as they come due in connection with hosting World Cup Events,” — Mike Loynd, President, Boston Soccer 2026

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• “seen nothing in writing.” — Bill Yukna, Chair, Foxborough Board

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The situation remains dynamic as both sides work towards a resolution that will allow the World Cup to proceed without financial complications.

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