Foxborough World Cup…

Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots, has reached an agreement to cover upfront security costs for seven World Cup games at Gillette Stadium. This decision has helped resolve tensions with the town of Foxborough, concluding a lengthy dispute that put the event in jeopardy, according to an ESPN report from a town select board member.

“Robert Kraft has finally agreed to support the Boston 2026 payment policy,” said board member Mark Elfman.

“We secured the necessary funds upfront for equipment and infrastructure, and we have approved a payment plan to facilitate early payments for security personnel during the World Cup,” he added.

A letter obtained by ESPN, signed by James Nolan, the COO of Kraft Sports + Entertainment, was directed to board members and town manager Paige Duncan.

The letter stated that the agreement ensures that Kraft Sports + Entertainment would provide financial guarantees to Boston Soccer 2026, allowing timely access to funds required for paying invoices associated with the deployment of the town’s public safety personnel and related equipment.

The central issue was an upfront payment of nearly $8 million that Foxborough has insisted was necessary to pay its police, as the town was unwilling to draw on taxpayer funds while waiting for delayed federal reimbursements. The board also raised concerns about the procurement of security supplies and compliance deadlines.

Late Wednesday, just days before a critical vote that could have jeopardized the games, an agreement was reached among the town, the Kraft Group, and Boston Soccer 2026, which will facilitate the necessary FIFA license for the games at Gillette, although details of the agreement were not extensively disclosed.

Elfman explained that Kraft resolved the financial dispute by contacting board chairman Bill Yukna. The Kraft Group, which owns the stadium, has a long history of collaboration with the town and also applies for similar licenses for Patriots games.

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey was reportedly involved in the final negotiations before the terms were agreed upon.

Elfman noted that the board convened an executive session on Thursday night, where they formally approved the “payment portion,” ensuring funds would be available before the town needs to pay security personnel during the 39-day World Cup period. A vote for final license approval has been scheduled for March 17, which serves as a critical deadline.

Foxborough had previously taken a firm stance against approving the license, resulting in a heated standoff between the small New England town and the expansive soccer event, alongside its host committee and Kraft’s organization.

During a March 3 meeting, disagreements arose between the Foxborough select board and two attorneys from the host committee. The committee indicated that it would cover security costs shortly after receiving invoices, with the Kraft Group prepared to subsidize any gaps.

On March 5, organizers sent a letter pledging written assurance for payment after two business days of invoicing and confirmed the availability of $2 million along with expectations of an additional $30 million. Kraft Sports & Entertainment also committed to backing the funding if required, but board members remained unconvinced until Wednesday night.

“We needed assurance that we could comply with what FIFA requires to ensure that the stadium is safe for fans,” Elfman stated.

The uncertainty of funding also involved $625 million approved by the federal government for the 11 host cities in the U.S. for “enhancing security and preparedness,” but this funding has been stalled due to congressional actions related to immigration enforcement. According to Elfman, Kraft will be reimbursed if this funding is eventually released.

“In my opinion, the Krafts should have provided this support three months ago,” Elfman remarked.

Gillette Stadium is set to kick off its first match on June 13, featuring a matchup between Scotland and Haiti.