Foxborough Cleared for World Cup—But Limited Parking & Rush-Hour Kickoffs Make New Jersey or Toronto Better Bets For Vermonters
Weekday kickoffs scheduled between 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM will force soccer fans into the Boston-to-Foxborough afternoon rush hour, creating congestion for both commuters and attendees.
After weeks of contentious negotiations, the Kraft Group and Foxborough reached a deal late Wednesday that clears the way for seven 2026 FIFA World Cup matches at Gillette Stadium.
Under the agreement, Foxborough will not incur any cost or financial burden related to the tournament, with Boston Soccer 2026 providing advance funding for security costs with Kraft Sports + Entertainment backing.
The funding dispute is resolved, and the matches are happening. But for Vermont soccer fans, that does not necessarily make Foxborough the best choice. A combination of severely limited parking, untested transit systems, and weekday afternoon kickoffs creates significant logistical challenges that make two other nearby venues worth serious consideration: MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, and BMO Field in Toronto, Ontario.
What the Deal Resolved
The heart of the dispute was a $7.8 million funding gap for public safety and security costs in Foxborough, the small town of 18,000 that is home to Gillette Stadium. Town officials said hosting seven World Cup matches over 39 days was equivalent to hosting seven Super Bowls in a single month and refused to issue the required entertainment license until security funding was guaranteed upfront.
The town had rejected earlier backstop offers that would have required Foxborough to pay invoices first and wait for reimbursement. Local officials noted the $7.8 million represented roughly 8-10% of the town’s annual budget and could have meant $1,000 per household if the town were left holding the bill.
The joint statement from all parties credited Governor Maura Healey, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, Representative Jake Auchincloss, and state Senator Paul Feeney for helping develop a comprehensive security plan. The Foxborough Select Board is expected to approve the entertainment license at its March 17 meeting.
Federal Funding Remains Frozen
While the local funding dispute is settled, a partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security has frozen $625 million in federal grants through the World Cup Grant Program. The shutdown was triggered by a legislative impasse in the U.S. Senate related to immigration enforcement policies.
This is not unique to Boston. Host cities including Miami and Kansas City are also reporting that their fan activations are in jeopardy. The Fan Fest at City Hall Plaza, originally planned as a month-long celebration, may be scaled back to 16 days or potentially canceled if federal funds do not arrive by late March.
Getting There Is Half the Battle
With the funding resolved, transportation emerges as the primary challenge for fans. Gillette Stadium’s parking will be reduced from 20,000 stalls to just 5,000 during the World Cup to accommodate FIFA’s expanded security perimeters and vendor zones. That is a 75% reduction.
The MBTA is planning an unprecedented 14 commuter rail trains per match, expecting to move around 20,000 passengers per game. By comparison, New England Patriots games typically run just one special event train carrying 2,000-5,000 fans.
The timing of matches creates additional complications. Weekday kickoffs scheduled between 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM will force soccer fans into the Boston-to-Foxborough afternoon rush hour, creating congestion for both commuters and attendees. The MBTA will also be managing large coordinated groups of supporters moving through South Station, requiring complex queuing systems that have never been tested at this scale.
The Matches Coming to Foxborough
The lineup of matches scheduled for Gillette Stadium features significant international talent:
June 13: Haiti vs. Scotland – Scotland’s first World Cup appearance since 1998, expected to draw a large Tartan Army of supporters.
June 16: Norway vs. IC Playoff Winner – Norway, led by star striker Erling Haaland, faces the winner of a playoff between Iraq, Bolivia, and Suriname.
June 19: Scotland vs. Morocco – A crucial Group C matchup that could determine knockout-stage eligibility.
June 23: England vs. Ghana – One of the most anticipated group-stage matches, featuring England stars Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, and Harry Kane.
June 26: Norway vs. France – A potential clash of the world’s two best players: Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland.
June 29: Round of 32 – The first elimination match at the venue.
July 9: Quarter-final – The premier fixture, featuring two of the final eight teams competing for a semi-final spot.
Alternative Venues for Vermont Fans
Given the logistical challenges in Foxborough, Vermont fans may want to consider two other venues that are comparable in total travel time when congestion delays are factored in:
MetLife Stadium in New Jersey will host the World Cup Final on July 19, 2026—the most significant match of the entire tournament. It is accessible via NJ Transit from New York’s Penn Station. Toronto offers a well-integrated urban transit system and six matches, though it requires a border crossing.
What Happens Next
The March 17 Foxborough Select Board meeting will formalize the agreement with an expected vote to approve the entertainment license. With the local funding dispute resolved, the path is now clear for all seven matches to proceed as scheduled.
The federal funding impasse remains unresolved. Until the DHS shutdown ends and the $625 million in World Cup grants is released, fan festivals and other peripheral events across all U.S. host cities remain at risk of being scaled back or canceled.