Gov. Maura Healey detailed security measures as the state prepares to host seven matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with a friendly match between France and Brazil set for Thursday at Gillette Stadium, and several upcoming highly attended events like the Boston Marathon and Tall Ships.
“The scale of this event requires preparation at every level, and Massachusetts is putting in the work to make sure we are ready,” Healey said while addressing the media inside the Massachusetts State Police Homeland Security Operations Center in Framingham.
“We are no strangers to hosting major events like the Boston Marathon and the Army Navy game, and we’re building on that experience by bringing together more than 70 agencies, securing $76 million in federal funding, and coordinating closely with partners across government to plan for every scenario,” the governor added on Wednesday.
Healey says over 70 different agencies on the local, state and federal levels will be coordinating throughout Massachusetts, supporting safety, security, emergency and transportation planning efforts. The governor announced the rollout of “Match Ready Massachusetts,” an online portal with information related to public safety measures taken during the scheduled matches.
Included in the over 70 agencies coordinating for the events are 14 “specialized planning groups,” two Executive Steering Groups, and 351 Massachusetts local emergency management directors. Healey’s office also says the state has conducted 16 training classes and seminars for first responders and held five “major exercises” to rehearse and prepare for possible emergency scenarios.
Officials warn residents of Foxboro and surrounding towns to expect severe traffic delays during the matches, including Thursday’s friendly match between France and Brazil. Those attending the match are encouraged to plan ahead and to expect travel delays.
The use of drones has been a notable concern among public safety officials preparing to host FIFA matches across the country. Drones are “strictly prohibited in and around Gillette Stadium,” State Police Col. Geoffrey Noble said when asked by the Herald if illegal drone activity is of any major concern.
“We as well as all law enforcement across the country and across the globe are tracking drones,” Noble said. “We are seeing more drone usage. Our biggest concern right now, though, is ensuring that those that are not allowed or authorized to be operating a drone do not show up.
“There are very set rules and regulations around drone usage,” he added. “So we will be strictly enforcing along with our partners, along with working with our federal partners, as well to make sure that the skies in and around all the events are being properly regulated.”
In addition to the announced federal funding, Healey stated that $10 million in supplemental state funding is going towards 17 grants to establishments hosting watch parties for the World Cup matches, as well as having events celebrating the tournament.
The MBTA will be operating four additional trains running between South Station and Gillette Stadium for Thursday’s match under a special train schedule.
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