England’s World Cup clash with Ghana at risk of relocation
England’s World Cup match against Ghana at Gillette Stadium is under threat of relocation due to a £6 million funding dispute between local authorities and FIFA, reports BritPanorama.
Located 22 miles south-west of Boston, the town of Foxborough, where the 66,000-seat venue stands, has issued FIFA an ultimatum that expires on 17 March regarding financial responsibilities. This dispute centres on who will cover the costs of security and infrastructure during the tournament, with the town’s Select Board refusing to grant the required licence until a resolution is reached.
The match is scheduled for 23 June, but its status remains uncertain with negotiations ongoing. Gillette Stadium is set to host a total of seven World Cup fixtures, meaning that a last-minute venue change could be forced if the discussions do not conclude satisfactorily.
Bill Yukna, chairman of the Select Board, pointed out the considerable resources needed for the event, noting, “We have to secure that facility for 39 days straight; I think there’s a lot of manpower involved there.” Despite three years of preparation, he stated that Foxborough cannot proceed without financial clarity.
The Kraft family, owners of the Patriots, were anticipated to cover the expenses; however, they have maintained that the stadium will fall under FIFA’s control during the tournament. FIFA’s World Cup 2026 Director of Venue Operations, Kevin Clark, clarified that the organisation is not obligated to finance security arrangements, deferring to the stadium and the host city for those responsibilities.
Under the official hosting agreement, municipalities are tasked with covering policing and safety costs, while options for federal assistance exist. Massachusetts state officials are seeking to approach the federal government for additional funds to resolve the deadlock before the deadline.
Local officials have expressed frustration over the financial impasse, directing criticism towards the US organising committee for not upholding earlier commitments. The £6 million demand is viewed as a significant burden for Foxborough, representing approximately 10% of the town’s annual budget for 2026.
“All we’re asking for is a collaboration that gets us the answer as to who,” Yukna remarked regarding the funding responsibilities. If federal assistance is granted, there is hope that the originally scheduled matches can proceed as planned.
It’s a stark reminder of the logistical complexities surrounding large-scale international sporting events, where financial and administrative obstacles can overshadow the excitement of competition.
