Boston & the 2026 World Cup
Everything a visitor needs for the FIFA World Cup 26 in the Boston area — the matches at Gillette, how to get to the stadium, the Fan Festival, and where to stay and eat.
The matches
Gillette Stadium hosts seven matches across the tournament:
- Five group-stage matches (mid-to-late June), featuring teams across several groups.
- One Round of 32 knockout match — Monday, June 29, 2026 (afternoon kick-off, around 4:30 p.m. ET).
- One quarter-final — the marquee game, Thursday, July 9, 2026.
Knockout-round teams are determined as the tournament progresses; check the official schedule for the latest.
Getting to Gillette Stadium
This is the key thing to plan: the stadium is in Foxborough, not in Boston, about 30 miles southwest. Your options:
- MBTA Commuter Rail (recommended) — special event trains run from Boston's South Station directly to Foxboro Station, right next to the stadium. You'll need a same-day match ticket, and trains sell out, so buy early via the mTicket app.
- Driving — possible, but stadium parking must generally be arranged in advance and traffic is heavy; allow lots of time.
- Rideshare — available to designated lots, with surge pricing and long post-match waits.
Arrive early for security and transport volume, and plan your return trip before the match ends.
The FIFA Fan Festival
The free FIFA Fan Festival transforms Boston City Hall Plaza downtown into a football hub, with live match broadcasts, entertainment, and a lineup of local food vendors. It ran during the group stage (June 12–27), so for the knockout matches the focus shifts to the stadium itself and to Patriot Place, the dining-and-entertainment complex right beside Gillette. Registration for the Fan Festival is free but capacity is managed.
Where to stay & eat
Boston hotels run expensive and sell out fast in summer 2026 (the World Cup coincides with America's 250th-anniversary events). Stay central — the city is walkable and you can take the Commuter Rail out to matches. See our full breakdown, and don't miss the city's seafood and North End Italian food.
More: Boston food guide · Where to stay
Tips for World Cup visitors
- Buy your Commuter Rail tickets to Foxboro early — trains to the stadium sell out.
- Stay in central Boston and use the subway and trains; you do not want a car here.
- Build in buffer time; match-day crowds and security lines are heavy.
- No match ticket during the group stage? The City Hall Plaza Fan Festival is free.
- Summer is humid — bring water and sun protection for the stadium.
Match-week tours & experiences
City tours, harbor cruises, and experiences fill up during the tournament — check live availability.
Frequently asked questions
How many World Cup matches is Boston hosting?
Seven, all at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough ("Boston Stadium" for the tournament): five group-stage games, a Round of 32 on June 29, and a quarter-final on July 9, 2026.
How do you get to Gillette Stadium for the World Cup?
Take the MBTA Commuter Rail special event train from Boston's South Station to Foxboro Station, right next to the stadium. You'll need a same-day match ticket and should buy train tickets early, as they sell out. Driving and rideshare are possible but slower.
Where is the Boston FIFA Fan Festival?
At Boston City Hall Plaza downtown. It's free (registration required) and ran during the group stage, June 12–27.
Is Gillette Stadium in Boston?
No — it's in Foxborough, about 30 miles southwest of downtown Boston. Plan transport accordingly.
Related: Boston travel guide · Freedom Trail · Where to stay · Things to do