Governor Maura Healey is awarding $10 million in grants to 17 organizations across Massachusetts to fund fan celebrations, watch parties, and community events for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In particular, the U.S. Haitian Chamber of Commerce stands out among the grant recipients. The Chamber will organize a multi-game watch party series in Boston, Canton, Everett, and Randolph — making the Haitian community one of the few immigrant communities in the state to receive a dedicated grant for World Cup programming.
Massachusetts will host seven World Cup matches between June 13 and July 9, 2026, most of them at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough.
The tournament is expected to draw tens of thousands of international visitors to the region, creating, state officials say, a once-in-a-generation opportunity for local businesses, neighborhoods, and community organizations.
Governor Healey framed the grants in explicitly inclusive terms. “The World Cup will bring people from across the globe to Massachusetts, and we want every resident across our state to be part of that moment,” she said in the official announcement. “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.”
Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll echoed that message, emphasizing the partnerships that made the grants possible. “Great events are built through strong partnerships,” Driscoll said. “From municipalities and tourism partners to nonprofit organizations and local organizers, collaboration is what makes moments like this possible. These grants will bring people together and make this global moment even more special for residents and visitors alike.”
The Haitian Community at the Table
The inclusion of the U.S. Haitian Chamber of Commerce among the 17 grant recipients is significant. The organization will produce what the state is calling the Massachusetts Haitian Community Multi-Game Watch Party Series, with events spanning four communities: Boston, Canton, Everett, and Randolph — all home to substantial Haitian populations.
For a diaspora community that has faced significant stress over the past year due to federal immigration enforcement and the ongoing legal battle over Haitian Temporary Protected Status, the recognition of the Haitian community as a full participant in one of the world’s most celebrated sporting events carries weight beyond the soccer field.
Looking more broadly at the range of grant recipients, the 17 organizations represent a geographic and organizational cross-section of the state, from the largest cities to smaller communities that rarely receive this kind of visibility during major international events.
The City of Boston received a grant to support neighborhood activation and celebrations across its diverse districts. The City of Chelsea — one of the most immigrant-dense municipalities in Massachusetts — will host “Fiesta Fútbol ’26,” a name that reflects its large Latino population. The City of Cambridge will host what it is calling “Cambridge United — Where the World Comes Together.”
Several cities with large immigrant and working-class populations also received funding: Brockton, which the state is calling a “City of Champions Fan Zone,” Everett, Lowell — where the Revolutionary Valley Regional Tourism Council and the Latinx Center of Lowell will co-produce a watch party series — and Worcester, which will host multiple watch party events throughout the tournament.
The Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association received one of the broadest geographic mandates, with grants covering programming in ten cities: Barnstable, Brockton, Fall River, Fitchburg, Lawrence, Leominster, New Bedford, Northampton, Pittsfield, and Worcester.
Smaller communities were also included. Easthampton will host a watch party and USA250 Festival at Millside Park. Greenfield, Lexington, Burlington, and Weymouth each received funding for local watch party events. Franklin and Marlborough will be served through the MetroWest Tourism and Visitors Bureau’s regional fan zone.
The Economic Case
State officials clarified that the grants are a strategic investment intended to generate economic returns for localities hosting World Cup events. These events are expected to boost spending at local restaurants, hotels, and shops, and attract visitors and residents to underrepresented areas, thereby driving economic activity.
“Events like these have measurable economic impact on Massachusetts communities,” said Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley. “Watch parties and festivals increase patronage at local businesses, drive hotel bookings, and introduce cities and towns to new visitors, creating visible economic uplift. These grants help communities benefit economically from World Cup excitement while showcasing their unique character.”
Kate Fox, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism, emphasized the link between events and local economic growth: “These community celebrations will drive economic activity by drawing visitors to neighborhoods, encouraging spending at restaurants and attractions, and highlighting unique destinations statewide. By extending stays and increasing foot traffic, these events help build economic momentum for host communities.”
The $10 million program was authorized through the Fiscal Year 2025 Supplemental Budget, which designated funding specifically for World Cup-related costs, including public safety, transportation infrastructure, and community celebrations. The grants cover operations, marketing, and safety planning — a recognition that events of this scale require professional management, not just enthusiasm.
The program is administered by the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism within the Executive Office of Economic Development.
