The 2026 World Cup will be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico this summer, but despite multiple matches being scheduled, disputes between organizers and host cities have worsened in recent weeks.
The World Cup is scheduled to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico this summer (Image: Getty Images)
Organizers of the World Cup have been embroiled in fresh controversy over security funding just months before the tournament, putting the match in jeopardy.
Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts, is scheduled to host seven World Cup matches this summer, including the Group L match between England and Ghana. And it looks like the venue may not be completely ready for a while.
According to ESPN, the town is demanding upfront security funding and contesting an agreement reached with FIFA ahead of a crucial licensing vote. The stadium will only be given a license if the police and all security measures are paid for.
The dispute is ongoing, with Foxboro at odds with both tournament organizers and a company led by New England Patriots owner Robert Klass. Boston Soccer 2026, the organizing committee for the game at Gillette Stadium, had two lawyers represent it at a meeting earlier this month.
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It was suggested that the organization pay all charges within two days of receiving the invoice. However, the board quickly challenged that promise. And while Kraft Group has since indicated that an agreement has been reached, it remains under discussion.
“Such statements are completely untrue,” the board’s statement said, adding, “Just because such an organization may have miscalculated the cost of hosting a World Cup is no reason to compromise the safety of the tournament. The town cannot and will not cover the losses of the Kraft Group at the expense of public safety.”
The Kraft Group then responded, claiming it had attempted to work with the town to resolve the impasse. “When they had liquidity issues, we solved them. When they requested equipment, we supported them,” the statement said.
“We deeply regret that the town appears to have reached a unilateral conclusion without a public hearing, and would like to understand what the town is looking for at this stage in order to reach a ‘yes’.”
Gillette Stadium will host seven games (Image: Getty Images)
Board member Stephanie McGowan also spoke out, saying that although she has concerns about Foxboro tax officials footing the bill, licenses will be issued once the money arrives. She said: “If we have the money, we will issue a license. They are working hard on both sides.”
The city of Foxboro reportedly needs $8 million in police costs ahead of the World Cup.
The stadium funding and subsequent licensing delays come amid further disruption elsewhere. Iran has already hinted at withdrawing from the tournament, and as conflicts continue in the Middle East, travel issues have put Iraq’s playoffs in jeopardy.
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