The 2026 World Cup matches scheduled to take place in Boston face a significant hurdle, as the local government in Foxborough is demanding that another entity take on the estimated security costs of $7.8 million. This financial burden poses a serious threat to the ability to hold these matches at the Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots. Although promoted as a Boston venue, the stadium is actually located in Foxborough, a small town about 32 kilometers away from central Boston.

Foxborough's officials argue that covering the projected costs for policing services and public safety measures is beyond their financial capacity. The cited amount equates to nearly 7% of the town’s entire budget, prompting local leaders to push back against the financial strain that hosting such a major event would entail. Without an agreement to cover these costs, Foxborough has stated that it may not grant the necessary licenses for the World Cup matches.

The situation has broader implications for the World Cup and local sports tourism, as losing such high-profile matches could diminish the region's visibility during the global event. The ongoing discussions highlight the tension that can arise between local governments and large sporting events, especially when financial responsibilities are involved, potentially shaping future negotiations in similar scenarios.