England and Scotland World Cup games under threat in stadium funding row

Seven World Cup matches, including fixtures involving England and Scotland, face being moved from Gillette Stadium after local officials threatened to withhold a license over unpaid security costs.

Town authorities in Foxborough, Massachusetts, are demanding guaranteed funding for policing and safety measures before sanctioning the events.

The dispute centers on an estimated £5.79m ($7.8m) required to secure the venue during the tournament.

Officials have warned the necessary entertainment license will not be granted unless this money is provided upfront.

Funding standoff in Massachusetts

The 65,000-capacity venue, home to the NFL’s New England Patriots, is scheduled to host England’s second group stage match against Ghana.

Scotland’s first World Cup appearances since 1998, against Haiti and Morocco, are also due to be played at the stadium.

However, the Foxborough Select Board has issued an ultimatum to FIFA representatives and the Boston 2026 host committee.

Board members insist that taxpayers must not be left liable for costs if the local organising committee dissolves after the tournament.

“We’re not prepared to issue this license unless everything is in place. I’m gonna tell you, this board will not issue this license.”

Stephanie McGowan, Foxborough Select Board Vice Chair

Demands for financial guarantees

Tensions flared during a town meeting on Tuesday regarding the venue, which sits 22 miles southwest of downtown Boston.

Mike Loynd, president of the Boston 2026 host committee, faced questioning regarding the source of the security funds.

When asked who would be ultimately responsible if funding failed to materialise, Loynd described it as a “broad question”.

This response drew sharp criticism from board member Mark Elfman.

“It baffles my mind that you guys are sitting here in front of me right now and how we still have no idea where this money’s coming from.”

Mark Elfman, Board Member

McGowan questioned the logic of hosting the event for 39 days without financial security, asking: “Once there is no Boston26… well, who are we gonna sue?”

Schedule disruption fears

If the license is withheld, FIFA faces the logistical headache of relocating seven fixtures just months before the tournament begins.

Alongside the British nations, the venue is set to host France versus Norway and a match involving Bolivia, Iraq or Suriname.

Two knockout ties – a round of 32 clash and a quarter-final – are also slated for the arena, which will be renamed ‘Boston Stadium’ for the duration of the competition due to sponsorship rules.

Organisers are under pressure to resolve the impasse quickly to ensure the schedule remains intact.