July 9, 2025; Foxboro, Massachusetts, USA; A general view of Gillette Stadium during a game between New England Revolution and Inter Miami CF. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images An agreement between the owners of the New England Revolution, the New England Patriots, local World Cup organizers and the town of Foxborough, Massachusetts will allow planned World Cup games to be played in the town.
The two sides announced the deal on Wednesday, ending a standoff in which they had threatened to deny needed licenses unless they were guaranteed to receive $8 million for security. Foxborough steadfastly refused to cover the bill with public funds.
A joint statement on the agreement reads, “As part of this agreement, the Town of Foxborough will not incur any costs or financial burdens associated with the FIFA World Cup. Boston Soccer 2026 will provide upfront funding for security-related capital expenditures and full distribution coverage as determined by public safety authorities to be necessary to execute the event with the support of Kraft Sports + Entertainment.”
The Kraft Group, led by Robert Kraft, owns the Foxborough-based NFL and MLS teams and their home stadium, Gillette Stadium.
Seven World Cup matches are scheduled to be held in Foxborough, including England-Ghana on June 23, Norway-France on June 26, Round of 32 on June 29, and quarter-finals on July 9.
Foxborough Town are now expected to have their license approved by FIFA on March 17.
Town Select Committee Chairman Bill Yukna said in a statement, “On behalf of the Town of Foxborough, I am very pleased to inform you that all funding issues have been resolved. I would like to personally thank KSE and Robert Kraft for their participation in resolving the funding issues. We anticipate that any outstanding issues related to licensing will be resolved prior to the 17th public hearing, and we look forward to a very successful and safe World Cup event.”
–Field level media
