Boston World Cup committee warns plans for fans, transportation in jeopardy without more funding

“The bid contemplated funding from the state to make sure that the host committee was viable and we’ve proceeded on that assumption,” said Mike Loynd, CEO of the Boston 26 Host Committee. “We will have to go back to the drawing board and review our plans so that transportation, volunteer plans, fan communications for international travelers, and honestly, simple things like our website that promotes not only the event but our city will be in jeopardy.”

Without the state funding, the committee envisions scenarios that would cast a sizable pall over the course of the seven games next June and July at Gillette Stadium.

If one or more of the 11 commuter rail trains that will run game days between South Station and Foxborough break down, a lack of funding would mean a backup bus system could not be implemented. Extensive FanFest celebrations planned in Boston and around the Commonwealth could be drastically scaled back or eliminated. The committee itself could be stripped down to a baseline level of service.

In talks with Governor Maura Healey’s office over the past year, the host committee came down from its initial $37.5 million request and settled on $20 million as the lowest it could go and still be viable with its own work, plus the transportation and fan celebration components.

Rep. Aaron Michlewitz, chair of the House Ways and Means committee, acknowledged the high-profile nature of the soccer expenditure that represents less than 1 percent of an entire budget.

He said that the book was not closed on revising the number upward.

Democratic state Rep. Aaron Michlewitz is hopeful that funding can be found to support the Boston World Cup committee’s plans.Steve LeBlanc/Associated Press

“We believe that the $10 million piece that was put into the House’s version of the supplemental budget is a starting marker, given our fiscal constraints that we’re facing due to the challenges related to the federal government’s unreliability,” Michlewitz said last week. “The $10 million is something that we can potentially build upon going into 2026 later in the fiscal year, when we can revisit and see where we are from a fiscal stability standpoint — knowing full well that we want to put on a good show for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and for the city of Boston. Doing that certainly requires resources that the state should have a part in.”

Senate Ways and Means chair Michael Rodrigues said the State House did deliver $5 million in World Cup funds to the Department of Transportation earlier this summer.

“As a longtime fan of European football, and the Portuguese national team in particular, I am very excited to see Massachusetts host the 2026 World Cup, right here in our backyard,” said Rodrigues in a statement. “Earlier this year, the Senate proposed and secured $5 million to help support public transit associated with World Cup travel to Foxborough. I welcome future discussions about how the Commonwealth can continue to help the event be successful and look forward to having those conversations.”

While the $5 million that’s dedicated to commuter rail infrastructure and service improvements is separate from the transportation portion of the $20 million request from the Boston 26 committee, a spokesperson said the committee was “hugely appreciative” of the allocation.

In a comment from her spokesperson, Healey reiterated that the initial $20 million request she and the committee asked for is the right path forward.

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu (right) and Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey are looking forward to welcoming the world to Boston and Foxborough for next summer’s World Cup games Gillette Stadium. Jessica Rinaldi/Globe Staff

“Massachusetts is excited to host the FIFA World Cup and to showcase all that we have to offer to players and fans from around the world,” said the spokesperson. “This will have major economic benefits for our businesses and our state. Governor Healey appreciates the Legislature’s consideration of her proposal.”

Even if the state were to ultimately meet the committee’s request for $20 million, that amount still trails support in other host cities.

According to multiple news sources, Atlanta and Miami are each receiving $25 million in state funding; Philadelphia $36.5 million; Seattle $45 million; Dallas and Houston $50 million each; New York/New Jersey $87.5 million combined; and Kansas City $102 million combined from Kansas and Missouri.

Ron O’Hanley, chairman and CEO of State Street Bank, is the honorary board chair of the committee.

With Boston organizers projecting 2 million visitors who will create more than $1 billion in economic impact, 9,000 jobs created, and $100 million in revenue, O’Hanley said in a statement to the Globe that in “getting it right,” a fully funded committee can pull off an event that will more than pay for itself next summer and beyond.

“I urge the House, Senate, and Governor Healey’s administration to invest in bringing to Massachusetts the economic development associated with hosting the World Cup. This is a wonderful opportunity to benefit the citizens of the Commonwealth and position Massachusetts for future success on the global stage.”

Like the other 15 North American host city committees, Boston’s is nonprofit and receives no funding from FIFA, the governing body of soccer.

FIFA reported $4.76 billion in assets at the end of last year, with $483 million in revenues in 2024.

The Boston 26 committee derives funds from three sources: federal, corporate, and state.

Boston received $46.6 million from the federal government that is earmarked only for security. Organizers said the paychecks of police, fire, and EMS personnel will be taxed by the state.

The committee estimates it will need $20 million from corporate sponsors for operational costs and to meet FIFA-mandated stadium accommodations that include a new underground irrigation system for a new grass field, removal of seats to meet field size requirements, and replacing (or obscuring) every piece of stadium advertising with FIFA’s corporate partners.

To date, besides O’Hanley, top executives from four other state-based entities ― Chris Davis of New Balance; Miceal Chamberlain, Bank of America Massachusetts; Martha Sheridan, Meet Boston; and Marcel Vernon Sr., Massachusetts Convention Center Authority ― have joined the honorary board as corporate partners.

It is the uncertainty over what the state winds up allocating monetarily that is causing the committee to bring awareness to its fiscal plight.

“We’re living day to day as we wait for these funds to come in, and it’s going to be really difficult for us if the state doesn’t help,” said Loynd, who is well aware the World Cup is not atop the list of concerns for the legislators.

The event is expected to bring indirect revenue benefits far greater than the taxpayers’ cost ― and boost the state’s ability to stage future major sports events ― which Loynd believes make their fiscal calculations easier.

“I just don’t believe that this one is really so much of a difficult choice as it is a win that won’t take away from really important funding requirements,” said Loynd.

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Michael Silverman can be reached at michael.silverman@globe.com.