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State Report Details Funding Hurdles and Site Unknowns for Massachusetts’ 2026 World Cup

A new state report flags unresolved funding mechanics, leaving key security and transit plans constrained.

Overview

  • Officials are tracking $22.6 million in state costs so far, largely for State Police coverage and MEMA operations tied to match days.
  • Massachusetts is eligible for about $46.05 million from FEMA’s World Cup grant program, with the submission pending under a reimbursement-only design.
  • An unusual pass-through structure requires the state’s Office of Grants and Research to route awards to Boston 26, forcing Boston 26 or subrecipients to front expenses before reimbursement.
  • Key locations for the FIFA FanFest and team base camps, including hotels and training sites, remain unconfirmed, limiting detailed planning and potentially altering projected costs.
  • The MBTA projects roughly $30 million in operating costs and is advancing a $32.7 million commuter-rail station upgrade near the stadium, with efforts underway to secure additional federal transit support.