State officials in Massachusetts have expressed concerns over funding and logistics for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, despite progress in preparations for seven matches at Gillette Stadium. A new report to the Legislature highlights ongoing negotiations on costs and unidentified key locations, with the event set to begin in June 2026. Officials emphasize the economic benefits but stress the need for more action six months out.
Less than six months before the FIFA World Cup arrives in Massachusetts, state officials detailed progress and challenges in a report from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS) filed with the Legislature. The tournament will feature seven games at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough from June 13 to July 9, 2026, drawing visitors from around the world and renaming the venue "Boston Stadium" for the event with FIFA-specific upgrades.
The report outlines coordination among local, state, and federal agencies on public safety, transportation, and fan experiences. Boston 26, a nonprofit led by Jim Nolan, Brian Bilello, and Martha Sheridan, is spearheading planning for the matches and celebratory events in downtown Boston. However, funding remains a key issue: sources, allocation, control, responsibility, and accountability are still under negotiation.
Massachusetts is eligible for $46.05 million from the FIFA World Cup Grant Program (FWCGP) through FEMA, part of a $625 million pool for 11 U.S. host cities, though the state applied for $95 million. EOPSS is tracking $22.6 million in costs, including $20.6 million for State Police security and $2 million for Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) expenses. The MBTA anticipates $30 million in operating costs, with $32.7 million in capital improvements at the Commuter Rail station.
Governor Maura Healey highlighted the economic upside in October: "This investment, any investment that we make as a state, is really going to come back to our benefit, you know, multiple fold, because of the number of people coming through our state, going to games, just coming here to watch, right? The number of dollars that are going to be spent in hotels and our restaurants, it's going to be amazing. So that investment is worth it."
Unresolved details include locations for the official FIFA FanFest and team base camps, limiting full planning. Matches include Haiti vs. Scotland on June 13 at 9 p.m., Norway vs. a TBD team on June 16 at 6 p.m., and a quarterfinal on July 9 at 4 p.m. Officials state the state is "well positioned" but more must be done for success.
