Marlborough, Franklin Get Part Of $10M For World Cup Fan Zones

MARLBOROUGH, MA — Marlborough and Franklin will get part of a whopping $10 million in grants for a fan zone during the World Cup.

The MetroWest Tourism and Visitors Bureau, along with 16 other recipients, will get a portion of $10 million in funding, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced on Monday. Fan Zones will pop up in both Marlborough and Franklin as part of the Sports and Entertainment Events Fund Grant Program to support fan celebrations across the state in celebration of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

This year's World Cup tournament will be hosted across the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Back in 2022, Boston was confirmed as one of the North American host cities for this year's World Cup.

Massachusetts will host seven matches between Jun. 13 and Jul. 9. Games will be played at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, with viewing parties and other special events set for City Hall Plaza and throughout the state.

The state funding will support World Cup-related events that promote tourism and support local economies in 25 communities, with events taking place throughout June and July.

The money was gifted to Boston, Brockton, Cambridge, Chelsea, Easthampton and Weymouth, among other cities and towns.

“The World Cup will bring people from across the globe to Massachusetts, and we want very resident across our state to be part of that moment,” said Gov. Maura Healey. “These events will create opportunities for residents and visitors to come together, celebrate the world’s game, support our local businesses and experience the energy and connection that sports can inspire. By investing in community celebrations across Massachusetts, we’re making sure this global event delivers for people in every region.”

The funding was authorized through the FY25 Supplemental Budget, which allocated $10 million to support costs associated with the World Cup, including public safety, transportation and celebrations.

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