Select Board approves entertainment license for seven 2026 World Cup matches at Gillette Stadium

The Foxborough Select Board on March 17, 2026 voted unanimously to grant an entertainment license to FWC 2026 US Inc. (operating as the event applicant represented by Boston Soccer 2026 and FIFA) to hold seven World Cup soccer matches at Gillette Stadium in June and July.

Boston Soccer 2026 counsel Gary Ronin told the board the applicant paid into a town-held escrow account "in some slightly in excess of $1.5 million" to fund required equipment and that the license agreement provides for interim invoicing and a final true-up after the events. Ronin said Craft Sports and Entertainment has agreed in a separate letter to backstop Boston Soccer 2026's financial obligations and that FIFA has submitted a certificate of insurance.

The license covers five group-stage matches, one round-of-64 match and one quarterfinal match, plus a ticketed stadium fan experience in Parking Lot 22. Ronin said the town's chiefs prepared a public security plan and that the draft license mirrors existing event licenses to address public safety, nuisance, sanitation and time restrictions. "We're not cutting any corners here," Ronin said, adding the agreement requires Boston 2026 to pay estimated staffing invoices within one business day and to settle differences after the World Cup.

Police Chief Mike Grace told the board security planning has continued for about 18 months, that federal and state partners are engaged and that regional law enforcement has committed support. "We are in a great spot tonight," Grace said, calling the planned events SER1-rated and noting federal asset involvement.

During public comment, resident Ian Cox praised the board for securing financial commitments but warned that, "as of today, 88 days before the first match at our stadium, there's no published plan telling 65,000 ticket holders how they get to the stadium or how they get home." Cox highlighted uncertainty about MBTA service, said the MBTA would be attempting to move far more riders than historic maximums and noted there are currently no scheduled trains from Providence for the games. He said many supporters have booked long-distance travel and deserve clear transit plans.

Board members and staff responded that much of the broader FanFest planning lies with the city of Boston and Massachusetts agencies, while reaffirming that town-level security and traffic-management plans and MassDOT-approved TMPs are in place. Ronin said the MBTA and bus services project the ability to accommodate roughly 21,000 patrons by rail and about 10,000 by bus for each match to reduce car traffic.

After the presentation, the Select Board closed the public hearing and voted to approve the license in the form reviewed by the board. The motion passed on a unanimous roll call vote by the five board members present.

The board recessed for five minutes after the vote; staff said the town will rely on the license conditions, the escrow and the contractual backstops to secure equipment, staffing and reimbursements, while urging Boston 2026 and state partners to publish regional transit and FanFest details for visiting supporters.