By Geena Monahan—For the North Star Reporter
With less than three months until the world’s biggest sporting event arrives in Massachusetts, the Foxboro Select Board voted unanimously to approve a license allowing seven matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be played at Gillette Stadium this summer.
The 5-0 vote on Tuesday, March 17, clears the way for Foxboro to host the matches after weeks of tense negotiations between town officials and tournament organizers over public safety costs and financial guarantees.
According to attorney Gary Ronan, representing Boston Soccer 2026, the license permits seven matches at Gillette — five group-stage games, one Round of 64 match and one quarterfinal — scheduled between June 13 and July 9. Town officials said the final agreement ensures Foxboro taxpayers will not bear any financial burdens associated with hosting the event.
The dispute centered on approximately $7.8 million in anticipated public safety costs, including security staffing, equipment and coordination with state and federal agencies. Under the finalized agreement, Boston Soccer 2026 — the nonprofit host committee coordinating the region’s World Cup matches — will cover those costs with financial backing from Kraft Sports & Entertainment, which owns the stadium.
To allow security preparations to move forward, Boston Soccer 2026 agreed to deposit $1,512,490 with the town, allowing Foxboro to immediately purchase public safety equipment requested by police and fire officials. The funds are being held in a town-controlled account designated specifically to pay vendors.
The agreement also notes Foxboro has applied for reimbursement through a FIFA World Cup grant program administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, though those funds are discretionary and not guaranteed.
The agreement requires Boston Soccer 2026 to pay all town invoices related to the tournament within one business day, ensuring Foxboro is not left waiting for reimbursement. Payments may continue through the tournament and potentially until Aug. 31, 2026, covering security and other public safety expenses.
Safety plan years in the making
A major focus of the board’s review was whether Foxboro could safely host an event expected to draw tens of thousands of visitors. Police Chief Michael Grace said security planning has been underway for more than a year and a half in coordination with state, regional and federal partners.
“We’re in a great place,” Grace said. “Everyone is committed, and we’re ready to host seven amazing events here in Foxboro.”
Officials said the security plan includes multi-agency coordination, expanded staffing and specialized equipment requested by police and fire departments.
Traffic management plans have already been approved by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, said Ronan, and transportation officials expect expanded public transit service during the games.
According to organizers, the MBTA estimates it could accommodate roughly 21,000 riders traveling to games through enhanced train and bus service, with additional buses running from Boston and certain hotels expected to transport another 10,000 patrons.
Parking at Gillette Stadium will be restricted to ticketed fans only, similar to other large-scale events held there.
The event license also requires FIFA to implement noise monitoring systems, maintain complaint hotlines for residents and carry insurance coverage comparable to what is normally required of stadium operators. The Foxboro Stadium Advisory Committee voted unanimously in recent days to recommend approval of the license.
Transportation concerns
During the public hearing, Foxboro resident Ian Cox said detailed transportation plans have not yet been publicly released.
“As of today, 88 days before the event, there’s no published plan telling 65,000 ticket holders how to get to the stadium or how to get home,” Cox said.
He also raised concerns about limited information on fan festivals and regional planning compared to other host cities.
Select Board Chair Bill Yukna acknowledged the concern, but noted that many aspects of the tournament — including fan festivals expected to take place in Boston — fall outside the town’s jurisdiction.
“We as a community have done our job,” Yukna said. “We’ve put in all the safety and security we needed, we’ve protected the taxpayers, and Boston 2026 and FIFA have work to do between now and the first game.”
Regional economic impact
Foxboro is projected to receive about $1.5 million in direct revenue through stadium ticket fees associated with the seven matches, Ronan said. Nearby towns are also anticipating increased visitor spending, with local hotels already reporting surging bookings.
North Attleborough Town Manager Michael Borg told the North Star Reporter the town expects modest gains, largely through lodging and meal taxes tied to the influx of visitors.
At the Hampton Inn & Suites in North Attleborough, rooms that typically range from $147 to $200 per night are climbing to $549 starting June 12, with some dates already fully booked. Prices reach as high as $699 per night on July 8.
Similarly, the Best Western in North Attleborough — where rooms usually cost $80 to $100 per night — is listing rooms for as much as $557 on June 15 and is fully booked from June 18 through July 12.
Officials expect the influx of visitors to benefit local restaurants, bars and retail businesses throughout the area.
A turning point
The vote marks a turning point after weeks of uncertainty, during which town officials openly questioned whether Foxboro could move forward as a host site without firm financial guarantees.
Earlier this month, board members warned they were prepared to deny the license if concerns over funding and public safety were not resolved.
With the new agreements in place, the board ultimately concluded that the town’s financial and public safety concerns had been addressed.
“You’re bringing the excitement of the World Cup to Massachusetts and Foxborough in particular,” Ronan said. “It’s an opportunity to show the world who you are.”