The Foxborough Select Board unanimously approved an entertainment license for the FIFA World Cup matches at Gillette Stadium.
Seven matches are scheduled to be played at the stadium.
Kraft Sports + Entertainment, Boston Soccer 2026, and the Town of Foxborough previously announced that an agreement had been reached on funding for security during World Cup games at Gillette Stadium.
Foxborough Select Board Chair Bill Yukna spoke with NBC 10’s Leanna Faulk. (WJAR)
The three said that the town will not “incur any cost or financial burden” due to the World Cup, and Boston Soccer 2026 would provide advanced funding for “security-related capital expenditures and the full extent of deployment that public safety official,” with the Kraft Group’s backing.
Issues had arisen between the three groups as to how a gap of $8 million in security funding would be covered.
Under the finalized agreement, Boston Soccer 2026 will provide upfront payments of about $1.5 million at a time to cover public safety equipment and staffing needs. The organization also agreed to pay invoices from the town within one business day, with the Kraft Group backing the funding to ensure payments are made.
Foxborough Select Board Chair Bill Yukna said the deal ensures the town is protected financially.
“I’m feeling good,” said Yukna after the meeting. “I think the town is well protected. We did I think a very good job getting it documented and making sure that there won’t be any surprises to us.”
Boston Soccer 2026 President Mike Loynd called the vote a key step forward for the region.
“This is a very important milestone for us,” Loynd said.
Despite the approval, some residents raised concerns about transportation and logistics ahead of the tournament.
Ian Cox, a Foxborough resident originally from Scotland, said fans still lack critical information.
Foxborough Select Board Chair{ }Bill Yukna spoke with NBC 10’s Leanna Faulk. (WJAR)
“Eighty-eight days before and fans don’t know how they’re getting to and from the ground isn’t where we should be,” Cox said.
Town and public safety officials say planning has continued throughout the funding dispute and that they are prepared for the international event.
“The planning’s been in place the whole time,” Foxborough Police Chief Michael Grace said. “So at this point, it was almost like a formality.”
The matches include:
- Match 5, group stage, on June 13, 2026
- Match 18, group stage, on June 16, 2026
- Match 30, group stage, on June 19, 2026
- Match 45, group stage, on June 23, 2026
- Match 61, group stage, on June 26, 2026
- Match 74, round of 32, on June 29, 2026
- Match 97, quarterfinal, on July 9, 2026