Foxborough Select Board Unanimously Approves World Cup License for Seven Gillette Matches

FOXBOROUGH — March 17, 2026 — Foxborough Select Board clears seven-match World Cup license and approves $7.37 million capital plan. The board voted unanimously Tuesday to grant an entertainment license to FWC 2026 U.S. Inc., covering five group-stage matches, a round-of-64 game, and a quarterfinal at Gillette Stadium in June and July 2026. Attorney Gary Ronan of Gilson Storrs told the board a March 11 letter agreement placed slightly more than $1.5 million in a town-held escrow account for equipment costs, with staffing invoices payable within one business day of receipt, backed by a financial guarantee from Craft Sports and Entertainment. Police Chief Mike Grace confirmed the security plan — in development for a year and a half and rated at the federal CR1 level — has buy-in from State Police, Norfolk County, and Central Massachusetts mutual-aid networks. The Stadium Advisory Committee voted unanimously to recommend the license. Resident Ian Cox used public comment to warn that no public transportation plan has been released for the 65,000 expected fans per match, 88 days before the first game. The board also unanimously approved the FY27 capital improvement plan, with the town standing to collect approximately $1.5 million in direct ticket fees from the seven World Cup events.