World Cup hosts threaten to block matches as ultimatum sent
A town that is scheduled to host seven matches at the 2026 World Cup, including England's group stage clash against Ghana, could miss out this summer amid growing concerns over funding.
The 65,000-capacity Boston Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, will play host to five group-stage games, one Round of 32 fixture and the first quarterfinal on July 9.
As far as the venue is concerned, there are no concerns. Since its opening in 2002, the stadium has hosted events all year-round, including games involving NFL outfit New England Patriots and MLS side New England Revolution.
But it appears FIFA may have a fight on their hands as the small town of Foxborough is threatening to block games unless someone pays for security costs that local officials say they can’t afford.
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In fact, a locally-run select board has refused to approve a license without financial guarantees, with board member Bill Yukna saying in an interview that it is not the town’s responsibility.
Foxborough has calculated that the cost to cover police and public safety expenses during the tournament will be around $7.8 million, according to a report from The Athletic.
Terri Lawton, who owns a local farm that sits close to the stadium, has opened up on the situation.
“I think the select board is doing a great job trying to protect residents,” she told The Sun. “We’re a very small town. We don’t have $8 million to front — and even if we did, we shouldn’t. As far as I know, there aren’t any assets backing it.”
Lawton hopes that New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft will help cover costs. Kraft has an estimated personal wealth of $13 billion.
“The reality is the Kraft family will earn more this year than most people in town will make in their lifetimes,” she said. “If they want this to happen, the Kraft Group can simply write a check. They probably spend more than that in a month on payroll alone.”
Lawton continued: “If they want the World Cup here, they’ll gain more financially than anyone else. As a business owner, I remove obstacles to make deals happen. I don’t understand the hesitation.
“Spreading the $8million across 18,000 residents would have serious effects. We wouldn’t be able to pay teachers, police, or firefighters. This isn’t emotional — it’s business. We have to fund essential services."
The select board has set a deadline of March 17 for a license to be awarded but disagreement remains over who should foot the bill.
World Cup fixtures scheduled to take place at the Boston Stadium in Foxborough
Haiti v Scotland | Group C | Saturday, 13 June.
Bolivia/Iraq/Suriname v Norway | Group I | Tuesday, 16 June.
Scotland v Morocco | Group C | Friday, 19 June.
England v Ghana | Group L | Tuesday, 23 June.
Norway v France | Group I | Friday, 26 June.
Match 74 | Round of 32 | Monday, 29 June.
Match 97 | Quarter-final | Thursday, 9 July.
Topics: FIFA World Cup, United States, Football
Jack Kenmare