Press Release: 5/28/2026
Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards Six Massachusetts Communities Grants to Support World Cup Public Safety Preparedness
Grants Will Support Local Public Safety and Event Readiness During FIFA World Cup 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
5/27/2026
MEDIA CONTACT
Abigail Phillips, Director of Communications
Phone
Call Abigail Phillips, Director of Communications at (857) 291-5647
BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced $1.757 million in grant awards to six communities through the second round of the Sports and Entertainment Events Fund grant program to support municipal public safety needs tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Sports and Entertainment Events Fund is administered by the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism and is designed to support major global events that drive economic growth, tourism, and statewide engagement. In March 2026, the administration announced $10 million in grantsthrough the first round of the program to 17 cities and towns to support fan celebrations and community watch party events across the state celebrating the World Cup.
“Massachusetts is preparing to welcome the world, and that means making sure our communities have the tools and support they need to do it safely and successfully,” said Governor Maura Healey. “These grants will help local officials strengthen public safety planning, coordinate operations, and make sure residents and visitors alike can enjoy everything our state has to offer during the World Cup.”
“Communities are at the center of what will make this moment successful,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This funding is about supporting the local teams doing the planning, coordination, and execution required to host an event of this scale, while ensuring the benefits are felt well beyond the tournament itself.”
This second round of funding is focused on ensuring that host communities are prepared to safely and successfully support World Cup-related activity. Eligible uses include staffing, traffic management, emergency response coordination, and other essential services tied to the tournament.
“Events of this scale also create opportunities to strengthen relationships with global leaders, businesses, and countries,” said Secretary of Economic Development Eric Paley. “Making sure communities are prepared to safely and successfully host visitors is part of turning that global attention into long-term economic opportunity and stronger international connections for Massachusetts.”
“Pulling off a great event is part planning, part coordination, and part creating something people genuinely enjoy,” said Kate Fox, Executive Director at the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism. “Public safety, strong local teams, and a great atmosphere all have to come together. These awards are helping communities strike that balance, so visitors feel both excited and well taken care of.”
The following municipalities have been awarded funding:
| Awardee | Event or Activity | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| City of Boston | FIFA Tournament Hotels and FIFA Fan Festival | $1,200,000 |
| Town of Foxborough | Host of Matches | $242,000 |
| Town of Plainville | Adjacent Community to Foxborough | $30,000 |
| City of Waltham | Host of Team Home Base | $135,000 |
| Town of Walpole | Adjacent Community to Foxborough | $75,000 |
| Town of Wrentham | Adjacent Community to Foxborough | $75,000 |
| Awardee | Event or Activity | Amount |
|---|
To learn more about the Sports and Entertainment Fund Grant program, visit mass.gov. To learn more about World Cup events, visit www.visitma.com/soccer.