FIFA host committee outlines security, transport and economic plans for 2026; Select Board seeks local working group

Representatives from the World Cup Boston host committee told Wrentham’s Select Board that planning for the seven matches scheduled at Gillette Stadium will focus on security, transportation and community celebrations, and invited local officials and public-safety leaders to join planning groups.

"We are one of 16 individual host committees...independent nonprofits that are self-funded," said a host committee representative, describing their role coordinating on-the-ground planning, stakeholder engagement and fan activations across Massachusetts. He said the host committee works closely with FIFA and with state and local public-safety partners.

Ryan Windmill, the host committee’s security representative, told the board that the security apparatus for match days will be similar to what large concerts and NFL games use but scaled for a global audience of visitors who may rely on public transportation.

"We're working really closely with the MBTA to make sure that commuter rail service from South Station down to Foxboro is prepared and ready to move a large number of visitors," Windmill said, noting planners expect a substantial shift from personal vehicle use to public transit for some fans.

Neil Dy of the host committee cited economic projections and audience reach offered by the committee’s studies: he said the tournament could draw millions of visitors across the Commonwealth, create thousands of jobs and produce large statewide economic impacts, including an estimated $1 billion in economic activity and about $70 million in direct tax revenue to the Commonwealth. He prefaced those figures as committee estimates informed by prior studies and planning work.

Board members welcomed the briefing and repeatedly asked that planning include local public-safety chiefs. Several Select Board members said they would like a smaller strategy group including public-safety officials, economic-development staff and local business leaders to plan watch parties and to ensure resident safety and benefit from visitor spending.

Town staff agreed to convene a Wrentham working group and invited the host committee to send staff to public-safety and transportation planning meetings. The town manager said he will form a working group to assess economic opportunities and public-safety impacts for the community and to coordinate with neighboring towns and state partners.

The presentation did not include final schedules for team draws or ticketing details; the host committee said the draw and team assignments will be announced in December, after which planning for fan demographics and base-camp locations will be refined.