Boston 2026 Supports…

Organizers for the World Cup in Boston reaffirmed their dedication to covering security expenses in a letter sent to officials in Foxborough on Thursday, as they seek to resolve an ongoing dispute that could jeopardize FIFA’s stadium license.

In the correspondence, signed by Boston Soccer 2026 president Mike Loynd and general counsel Curtis Franks, the organizers pledged to remit any public safety costs within two business days following receipt of an invoice. They also provided written assurance that Kraft Sports & Entertainment, part of the Kraft Group which owns the stadium, would provide financial backing if necessary.

To alleviate concerns from town officials regarding the financial stability of the host committee, Loynd and Franks stated that the committee had $2 million in bank accounts as of Thursday morning, and expected to receive at least an additional $30 million.

“With BS26’s current funds, the anticipated government funding, ongoing commercial activity, and financial commitments from KSE, it is clear that BS26 can cover all expenses associated with hosting World Cup events,” they wrote.

The central issue in the dispute is nearly $8 million that the town claims is needed to pay local police. While Foxborough is waiting on federal grant money that has been delayed due to a partial government shutdown, town officials are requesting that the organizers guarantee the funds upfront.

During a local board meeting earlier this week, two lawyers representing the host committee assured officials they would cover the costs, but negotiations remain unresolved. Following the meeting, board chair Bill Yukna informed reporters that although assurances were given, the town had “not received anything in writing.”

In their latest letter, the organizers expressed confidence that they had addressed “each and every one of the concerns” raised by local police and fire chiefs regarding the World Cup.

Foxborough officials are set to vote on granting FIFA a license to use the stadium for seven World Cup matches in their upcoming meeting on March 17. Gillette Stadium is slated to host its first game on June 13, featuring a matchup between Scotland and Haiti.

ESPN has reached out to the town manager for further comments.