Politicians clash in row in small American town over Scotland's World Cup games

Key Points

Massachusetts’ governor stepped in after Foxborough warned it may block World Cup matches over a $7.8m security funding shortfall
Governor Healey said the World Cup will go ahead
Scotland are set to play Haiti and Morocco at Gillette Stadium, with large numbers of fans expected
A heated Foxborough meeting saw officials say organisers have not provided firm funding or timelines
Police warned security preparations can’t proceed without immediate money, though organisers insist they can deliver
Any delay could disrupt Scotland fans’ costly travel plans

The Governor of Massachusetts has stepped in amid an ongoing row over the future of two of Scotland’s World Cup games.

Steve Clarke’s side made history in qualifying for the finals in North America this summer, with the Scots due to take on Haiti on June 14 and then Morocco on June 19.

It means tens of thousands of the Tartan Army will descend on the Gillette Stadium, about 30 miles outside Boston.

But a row is brewing in the small town of Foxborough, where the 65,000-seater stadium lies.

Scotland

Why might a small American town cancel Scotland’s World Cup matches?

Tens of thousands of football fans are set to descend on a town smaller than Peterhead

It is home to NFL side New England Patriots, and is due to host seven World Cup games, including a quarter-final on July 9. England are also due to play Ghana at the stadium on June 23.

However, Foxborough officials say the town is yet to receive the $7.8million (£5.8m) required for security costs to host the games.

It has threatened to withhold the entertainment license FIFA needs for matches to go ahead.

More than $625m in federal assistance toward World Cup security for the 11 host cities was pledged by the Trump administration last year.

What happened at the Foxborough town meeting?

Foxborough is managed by a five-member board and a town manager.

They met on Tuesday with representatives from Boston Soccer 2026, the local host organisation for the tournament. In a fiery exchange, board members and officials clashed over funding.

While assurances were made that the money would be paid, a heated debate ensued over timelines for the necessary security equipment and materials.

Town of Foxborough, Massachusetts Town of Foxborough

Select board member, Dr Mark Elflman, said: “I was expecting the same bulls**t that we’d got in the last two or three months. They didn’t give us any more information. It’s sad. It should have been done months ago.”

Foxborough police chief Michael Grace said: “We are less than 100 days away from hosting the largest sporting event in the world and can’t seem to find the necessary funding for the necessary equipment that’s been identified in over a year and a half of planning.

“Waiting until June 1 is unacceptable. The solution is very simple – fund what we need funded, and this issue is over tomorrow.”

However, Boston Soccer 2026 chief Mike Loynd, said: “We understand what they need. We totally agree with the requirements and are working through the details.

“I am still convinced we will get through that piece.

“We are very confident we can meet the financial requirements of this event. What we have now is a hard ten days of work.”

The board has set a March 17 deadline for license approval. After that, officials raised concerns that the town won’t have adequate time to prepare.

Governor steps in: ‘The World Cup is going to happen’

The row sparked a response from Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey.

She told local reporters: “The World Cup’s going to happen – it is going to be in Massachusetts. It’s going to be great to have people come from all over the world and see our awesome state.

Steve Clarke's side made history in qualifying for the finals in North America. — Steve Clarke’s side made history in qualifying for the finals in North America.

“I know that my team continues to stay in touch with local officials on all of this.

“There’s certainly funding that we’re awaiting from the federal government right now. It’d be a lot easier if the federal government provided the funding that they were supposed to provide.

“That hasn’t happened yet. But, you know, we’ll continue to work through all of this with local officials and all of the relevant parties.”

Where is the small town of Foxborough?

Foxborough, a town smaller than Peterhead in Aberdeenshire, has a population of less than 19,000.

Pronounced “Foxboro”, the town was formed in 1778, and is known by its residents as “the Gem of Norfolk County”, according to its official website.

It’s home to a theatre, a secondary school, and a number of eating and entertainment establishments

The Gillette Stadium, in Foxborough, MA. Getty Images

Foxborough prides itself on its “small-town image and strong sense of community”.

How would this disrupt Scotland’s World Cup plans?

It would be something of a kick in the teeth to the Tartan Army foot soldiers to learn their plans are scuppered.

With record-high ticket prices and expensive accommodation and flights, fans could be left thousands of pounds out of pocket if the games are jeopardised.

The Scotland team are to base themselves at a state-of-the-art training facility in North Carolina, somewhat due to its proximity for flights to Boston and Miami.

Steve Clarke himself said the base was “convenient for the airport” for the group stage matches.

Scotland end their group stage campaign in Miami at the Hard Rock Stadium against Brazil on June 24.