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House Ways and Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz speaks at a FIFA-related event in downtown Boston on Feb. 10, 2026 highlighting the massive events planned in the city. Towns like Franklin are banking on a big tourism boost, but they were not part of the discussion. Michlewitz is flanked by Gov. Maura Healey (left) and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu (right).
Alison Kuznitz| SHNS
Fan celebrations for the FIFA World Cup will be concentrated at City Hall Plaza, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu announced Tuesday, but state officials acknowledged they are "under the gun" on funding with the first game now only about four months away, a problem the town of Foxborough is particularly concerned about.
Big Bucks Coming, Maybe
State dollars are footing part of the bill, and more aid from Beacon Hill could be on the way, the House budget chief said.
Wu said Boston's official FIFA World Cup Fan Festival will be held "right in the heart of our city." The mayor, who's fond of City Hall's brutalist architecture, joked the festivities are situated "right outside the most beautiful building in the city."
Fan Festival is currently planned to be a free, 39-day public celebration (mid-June to mid-July 2026) located at City Hall Plaza in downtown Boston. It will feature live screenings of matches from Gillette Stadium on giant screens, food, beverages, and entertainment, acting as a central hub for fans.
"This is the chance of a lifetime to show the world that Boston is a home for everyone, that we are a welcoming city, that we are excited day in and day out to open our doors to visitors from across the globe, and to reflect all of the cultures that make up our incredible community," Wu said.
The seven games scheduled to be held here between June 13 and July 9 will take place at Gillette Stadium [renamed Boston Stadium for the event] in Foxborough, about 30 miles away by car.
Watch parties will be hosted at FanFest and across city neighborhoods. The city also plans to ramp up annual block party grants to "really reflect the scale and the excitement of our country's 250th anniversary and the World Cup this summer," Wu said.
As Wu entered the Civic Pavilion at City Hall Plaza Tuesday afternoon, she hugged close ally House Ways and Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz before embracing Gov. Maura Healey.
Michlewitz framed FanFest as a way to ensure more Bay Staters can experience the World Cup, particularly those who cannot afford tickets for the matches in Foxborough.
Roughly half of the $10 million that the Legislature approved for World Cup matches last year will support FanFest, Michlewitz told reporters. Healey had requested $20 million in a supplemental budget.
Michlewitz, asked whether more state aid could flow to fan experiences or security measures, said, "We still have some work to do."
"We're exploring all different options on how to get there," the North End Democrat continued. "So it's still a little early in the process to kind of give that final pathway, I think. We're working on getting there. You know, I'm confident we're going to get there."
The legislative vehicle and exact appropriation depends on what exactly the state needs to cover, such as public safety, transportation, public amenities or FanFest expenses, Michlewitz said.
"That's still all being ironed out right now," Michlewitz said. "I don't think there's a definitive timeline but we are under the gun because it is four months from now."
FanFest could span about 16 days, but more details will be announced in March, said Mike Loynd, president of FIFA World Cup Boston 2026.
"We are really determined to make it free at this point," Loynd said when asked about the New York/New Jersey FanFest charging $10 admission fees.
Wu has been pushing for more events to be held at the renovated and spacious City Hall Plaza. The space can fit 10,000 to 12,000 people on the main plaza, and about 20,000 to 25,000 people on the entire plaza, city officials said in 2022.
"This is what the mayor has envisioned for years," Boston Rep. Chris Worrell told the News Service. "It's gonna boom economic development. The restaurants from North End to East Boston to Roxbury, everything's going to be booming. I'm excited."
Stadium Neighborhood Feeling Neglected.
Tuesday's announcement comes a week after the Foxborough Select Board threatened to withhold a license for the World Cup games unless the town receives its upfront funding request of $7.8 million for safety and security costs. Loynd said he spoke with town leaders about the issue Monday night.
"We've been in detailed conversations with FIFA and the stadium on this, and I think we'll come to a very good conclusion," Loynd said. He added, "We have a meeting in another week with them, in a select board meeting, where we anticipate almost all of the details being wrapped up."
Healey told reporters that local issues in Foxborough will "get worked out."
"We have every interest in making sure that we have a tremendous event here in Massachusetts and down in Foxborough, and I know that the state will continue to work closely with local officials," Healey said.
"There's a lot of work and a lot of planning that's already gone on into security, and safety, and transportation," the governor added. "I'm confident that all the parties can work out what they need to with the town of Foxborough, and that everything will go forward with FIFA and we will have a great World Cup here in Massachusetts in just a few months' time."
Pressed whether Foxborough can expect its money upfront, Healey responded, "They'll get their money to execute the leases, no doubt."
Michlewitz left Tuesday's event with a FIFA-themed soccer ball.
"It's a nice ball, and it's under $50 I think," he told reporters.
Under state ethics laws, public officials generally cannot accept gifts or gratuities valued at $50 or more.
Alison Kuznitz is a reporter for State House News Service and State Affairs Pro Massachusetts
