?Gianni Infantino‘s appearance at Gillette Stadium may have looked routine on the surface, but the FIFA president’s presence alongside New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft carried clear significance as the countdown to the 2026 World Cup accelerates.
With Foxborough set to play a central role in the tournament, Infantino’s visit felt less ceremonial and more like a strategic check-in at one of FIFA’s most important American hubs.
Gillette Stadium is scheduled to host seven World Cup matches in 2026, including two featuring Scotland and a high-profile group-stage clash between England and Ghana.
Infantino, dressed head to toe in Pats merchandise and seated with Kraft, was visible confirmation of how closely FIFA’s leadership is tracking preparations in New England as the expanded 48-team tournament approaches.
Kraft, who already controls both the Patriots and Major League Soccer’s New England Revolution, has quietly become one of the most influential American power brokers in global football.
That influence extends well beyond Foxborough and into Mexico, where Kraft is now financially tied to one of the sport’s most iconic institutions.??
Kraft’s global footprint continues to grow
Earlier this year, an investor group partnered with Kraft purchased a $240 million stake in the company that owns Club America and Estadio Azteca, the legendary 88,000-seat stadium in Mexico City.
The venue will host five matches during the 2026 World Cup, including the opening match of the tournament. The new ownership group, operating under the name Grupo Aguilas, is valued at approximately $490 million.
Televisa chairman Emilio Azcarraga Jean, who will serve as executive president of Grupo Aguilas, described the partnership as a long-term play.
“This strategic alliance positions us strongly for our next stage of leadership as we expand our reach and deliver even more unforgettable experiences for fans in Mexico and beyond,” Azcarraga Jean said in a statement.
As part of the deal, Kraft Analytics Group is expected to contribute its expertise in customer data, fan engagement, and strategic consulting.
It’s a familiar formula for Kraft, whose organizations have leaned heavily into analytics and fan experience innovation across both the NFL and MLS.
Club America represents a crown jewel among Mexican football investments. The club has won a record 16 Liga MX titles and seven CONCACAF Champions League trophies, with legends such as Cuauhtemoc Blanco and Guillermo Ochoa defining its global profile.
With the World Cup approaching, Liga MX clubs have become increasingly attractive to American investors, but Amrica’s stature sets it apart.
Infantino‘s stop in Foxborough also fits a broader pattern. In recent years, he has been spotted at several NFL stadiums, including AT&T Stadium and MetLife Stadium, assessing infrastructure, access, and fan experience as FIFA finalized venue selections.
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During one 2023 visit, stadium scoreboards even publicly welcomed the FIFA president, underscoring the visibility of his inspections.
The 2026 World Cup will kick off on June 11 and conclude on July 19, marking the first edition of the tournament to feature 48 nations.
With Gillette Stadium confirmed as a host venue and Kraft now invested in two of the World Cup’s most important locations, Infantino’s appearance alongside the Patriots owner felt deliberate.
For New England, the message was unmistakable. The World Cup is not simply arriving in Foxborough. It is being actively shaped there.
