Town of FoxboroughScotland are due to play two massive World Cup games in Massachusetts this summer, but the future of the fixtures could be hanging in the balance.
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 outside Boston.
The venue is in Foxborough – a town smaller than Peterhead in Aberdeenshire, with 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.
Town of FoxboroughIt’s home to a theatre, a secondary school, and a “number” of eating and entertainment establishments.
Foxborough prides itself on its “small-town image and strong sense of community”.
But the officials are worried about the cost of hosting the World Cup – compounded by a lack of assurance over funding.
Foxborough’s 65,000-seater stadium, home to NFL side New England Patriots, is due to host seven games, including a quarter-final on July 9. England are also due to play Ghana at the stadium on June 23.
Why is there a row over funding for the World Cup?
Getty ImagesFoxborough 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.
Foxborough is managed by a five-member board and a town manager.
The board is due to meet on Tuesday (11pm GMT) to discuss a review of the “possible termination of World Cup 2026 planning by all town departments”.
SNS GroupThe board has set a March 17 deadline for license approval. After that, officials have raised concerns that the town won’t have adequate time to prepare.
Bill Yukna, a member of the town’s select board, told local media last month: “It’s the equivalent of seven Super Bowls here and 39 days of coverage.
“Which is not small and not to be lost. We have to secure that facility for 39 days straight.”
Another board member, Stephanie McGowan, said: “The money has to be here. Everyone thinks we have a football stadium in this town. But with that being said, we’re a small town.
“We have 18,000 people.”
Reports suggest the Krafts, the family that owns the New England Patriots, have been contacted in a bid to temporarily cover the shortfall, but a resolution has yet to be reached.
How would this disrupt Scotland’s World Cup plans?
SNS GroupIt 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.
Fifa, the Scottish FA and the town of Foxborough have been contacted for comment.
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