The upcoming FIFA World Cup matches at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough are facing significant challenges. Foxborough officials demand $7.7 million upfront for security costs, which they say must be covered before issuing the necessary entertainment license. The town has expressed concerns about lacking sufficient funds and is seeking FIFA or the Kraft Group to pay these costs, with federal grants potentially covering part of the expenses. The security costs cover 39 days of events, including seven matches scheduled for June. Town officials warn that without resolution of funding issues by March 17, the matches could be canceled. Meanwhile, political tensions are affecting perceptions of the event. The Tartan Army, representing Scottish fans, remain resilient despite comments from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who threatened to relocate World Cup matches away from Boston due to political disagreements with Boston Mayor Michelle Wu. Trump criticized her as 'radical left' and suggested he could influence FIFA to move the matches, though FIFA later stated Trump lacked authority to do so. Scots planning to attend the matches in Boston and other U.S. cities are unsettled by Trump’s remarks. Additionally, there is controversy surrounding Boston’s potential role as a host city for the 2026 World Cup. Foxborough officials have indicated they may block the event unless security funding is secured beforehand. Initially, the town believed the Kraft Group would cover security costs as it does for Patriots games, but this was not the case, prompting the town to seek FEMA-funded grants. The approval process for the $7.7 million grant has been delayed, and town officials are pessimistic about resolving the funding issue before the March deadline. Other U.S. host cities, including Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, Seattle, and San Francisco, are also grappling with high security costs, with some cities using local funds or taxes to cover expenses. Massachusetts has allocated only half of the requested funding for security, highlighting the widespread financial concerns related to hosting the World Cup.