Kraft Group Secures World Cup Security Funding
The Kraft Group and Foxborough have secured a funding deal for enhanced security at Gillette Stadium for the upcoming World Cup matches. This highlights the region’s ongoing investment in global sports infrastructure.
The agreement ensures Foxborough will not incur any costs related to the FIFA World Cup, with Boston Soccer 2026 providing advance funding for security-related expenses. This arrangement, backed by Kraft Sports + Entertainment, was crucial to secure the event license for the matches scheduled at Gillette Stadium in June. The resolution follows weeks of contention, with the town initially demanding $7.8 million for security, threatening to cancel the matches if their demands weren't met. The Kraft Group's involvement was essential in bridging the gap between Foxborough and FIFA, with Robert Kraft personally involved in resolving the funding concerns. Governor Maura Healey and other political figures also played a role in supporting the agreement. Gillette Stadium will be referred to as "Boston Stadium" during the tournament, which is expected to bring up to 3 million visitors to the Boston area. The agreement stipulates that Boston Soccer 2026 will provide advance funding for security-related capital expenditures and the full extent of deployment that public safety officials have determined is needed to execute the event. This includes covering costs for equipment, police, and firefighters across the 39 days of World Cup events at Gillette Stadium. The Foxboro Select Board is expected to officially approve the event license at their March 17 public hearing.
