WC Games in Foxborough as…

The town of Foxborough, along with the Kraft Group and the Boston Soccer 2026 host committee, has reached an agreement to proceed with plans for hosting seven World Cup games at Gillette Stadium, resolving a lengthy dispute just days before a crucial vote could have determined their future.

At the heart of the disagreement was Foxborough’s demand for nearly $8 million upfront to cover police costs, a proposal the town was hesitant to accept without assurance of reimbursement from delayed federal funds.

A joint statement from the involved parties affirmed that they had “reached a collective understanding,” enabling them to finalize details for FIFA’s license approval during the Foxborough select board’s upcoming meeting on March 17, which had been set as a deadline.

The statement indicated that Foxborough would not bear any financial burdens associated with the FIFA World Cup, as Boston Soccer 2026 would cover upfront costs for necessary security measures, supported by Kraft Sports + Entertainment.

The statement also expressed gratitude to several officials, including Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, for aiding in the development of the security plan.

Foxborough had taken a firm stance throughout the negotiations, intensifying a standoff that increasingly polarized a small New England town against the expansive reach of a global soccer event and the influential Kraft Group.

During a March 3 meeting, tensions escalated as the Foxborough select board confronted host committee lawyers over security funding. The host committee argued for the first time that they would provide funds within two business days of receiving an invoice, with the Kraft Group stepping in to cover any shortfalls.

Board members challenged the host committee about purchasing security materials and ensuring they were ready before the events, adhering to directives from local police and fire officials.

On March 6, board chair Bill Yukna clarified that no agreement had been finalized, stating that the proposal from the host committee was insufficient to meet the town’s security needs.

In response to an inquiry from ESPN, the board issued a statement expressing shock and disappointment over claims from the Kraft Group and event organizers suggesting an agreement had been reached with the town.

The board emphasized that claims of a compromise were “categorically false,” asserting that inaccuracies regarding costs would not justify compromising public safety.

The Kraft Group appeared confused by the town’s position, stating that they never claimed to have reached an agreement. They expressed disappointment over the town’s unilateral conclusions without public hearing, seeking clarity on what was needed to move forward.

Foxborough’s deepening divisions were on display during the March 3 meeting, where town officials insisted on immediate funding for security necessities needed before the World Cup matches, arguing with the host committee over the legal stipulations of the license approval process.

On March 5, event organizers sent a letter reassuring the town that public safety costs would be covered two business days post-invoice, citing $2 million already available and expecting an additional $30 million. They offered the Kraft Group’s backing to fulfill any financing shortfalls.

The Kraft Group reiterated its commitment to meeting the town’s security requirements, emphasizing that the World Cup events would not be profit-driven but would instead provide significant tourism and visibility benefits for the state. However, the uncertainty around $625 million in federal funding for security enhancements for the host cities remains, as this funding has been stalled due to legislative issues.

Designated as a host city in June 2022, Boston is approximately 25 miles from Foxborough. Foxborough police chief Michael A. Grace highlighted that security planning has been underway for over a year and that public disputes over funding intensified starting in January.

The first game at Gillette Stadium is set for June 13, featuring Scotland against Haiti.