Lawmakers play goalkeeper on World Cup funds. Will the private sector come to the rescue?

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Sure, there was the money allotted to MassHealth and universal school meals, the withholding of money for the county sheriffs until the inspector general investigates their spending, and the new protections against residential eviction or foreclosure for federal employees during government shutdowns. 

But the item likely to raise eyebrows in the Legislature’s closeout budget for fiscal year 2025, which ended June 30, is the $10 million to help the hosting of seven 2026 FIFA World Cup matches in Foxborough.

That’s less than the $20 million requested by Gov. Maura Healey, and quite the climbdown from the $37.5 million initially sought by the host committee.

Organizers could have done worse: The original House version of the proposal had $10 million, while the Senate’s version had zero. 

The final version reached by the two sides and expected to come up for a vote this week places the $10 million into a sports and entertainment events fund. To access the funds, they have to be privately matched. The funds can go towards “transportation, public safety, wayfinding and signage, services for individuals with disabilities, equity, inclusion and sustainability efforts and volunteer support costs,” according to the bill.

The state office of travel and tourism will also have to submit monthly funding reports to both the House and the Senate detailing expenditures.

“We're open to further conversations on potential further money, but for right now, knowing that we're dealing with some challenging circumstances, particularly related to the federal government and not knowing what's coming around the corner next, we felt that 10 million was a was a safe number to start with,” said Aaron Michlewitz, the House chair of Ways and Means.

Mike Loynd, the head of the local nonprofit handling World Cup preparations and former Kraft Group executive, told NBC Boston last month that if they don’t receive the amount they’re looking for, expect a pullback on fan events and services. "It certainly would be down-scaled, if not very limited, if we didn't have the funding from the state," Loynd said.

As it hoped for a different outcome on Beacon Hill, the host committee recently announced Micael Chamberlain, president of Bank of America Massachusetts, came aboard, joining New Balance chief marketing officer Chris Davis and State Street CEO Ron O’Hanley, who is serving as chair. 

But the Globe’s Shirley Leung reported a week ago that organizers had been eyeing $100 million, much of it through corporate sponsorships, but so far raised only $20 million. The World Cup is proving to be a “tough sell” so far, she wrote.

Playing World Cup host is a longtime dream of Robert Kraft, the New England Revolution team owner whose Gillette Stadium will be ground zero for the soccer matches. He has a net worth of $8.9 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index earlier this year.

With the budget closeout setting aside $10 million for the World Cup, and tying it to a private match, it might be time for a different pitch. The ball is now back on the private sector’s side of the field.

The Krafts have a long history of trying their hands at State House politics. Trivia question: Who was the candidate for House speaker that Myra Kraft backed, and how did it turn out? Send answers to: [email protected].

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