Information for Soccer Fans in Massachusetts
The FIFA World Cup 2026TM is coming to North America. Massachusetts will host seven matches at Boston Stadium in Foxborough. Whether you have a ticket to the match or plan to join the excitement at watch parties and fan celebrations across the state, there are countless ways to experience the energy of the world’s game here in Massachusetts.
For the latest updates and official match information, visit the FIFA World Cup 2026 Boston Host Committee website.
You can also download the official tournament app for real-time updates, schedules, and general event information, and join the Official Fan Info WhatsApp Channel to help plan your visit, navigate the region, and receive the latest updates.
Match Schedule
Massachusetts will host seven matches in Foxborough, MA
| Date | Time | Match |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday, June 13, 2026 | 9:00 p.m. ET | Group C Haiti vs. Scotland |
| Tuesday, June 16, 2026 | 6:00 p.m. ET | Group I Iraq vs. Norway |
| Friday, June 19, 2026 | 6:00 p.m. ET | Scotland vs. Morocco |
| Tuesday, June 23, 2026 | 4:00 p.m. ET | Group L England vs. Ghana |
| Friday, June 26, 2026 | 3:00 p.m. ET | Group I Norway vs. France |
| Monday, June 29, 2026 | 4:30 p.m. ET | Round of 32 Match |
| Thursday, July 9, 2026 | 4:00 p.m. ET | Quarter-Final Match |
Know Before You Go and FAQs
Boston Stadium is located in Foxborough, Massachusetts, 28 miles southwest of downtown Boston.
Planning your transportation in advance will help ensure a smooth match day experience.
Arrive at Boston Stadium early to avoid peak congestion. There will be activities at Patriot Place before and after the matches.
Match Day Travel Tips
- Plan travel and accommodations early.
- Boston Stadium is about 60–90 minutes driving distance from downtown Boston, but can take much longer depending on traffic.
- Parking lots open four hours before kickoff.
- Stadium gates open three hours before kickoff.
Boston Stadium Train Service
The MBTA will provide direct train service for each World Cup match at Boston Stadium (also known as Gillette Stadium). For most fans traveling from Boston, this will be the fastest and easiest way to reach the stadium. All trains and platforms at South Station and Foxboro Station are ADA compliant.
- Express trains will run from South Station in Boston directly to Foxboro Station, located next to Boston Stadium.
- Trains will run nonstop between South Station and Foxboro Station on match days.
- After the match, trains will return directly to South Station with no intermediate stops. After the match, trains will return directly to South Station with no intermediate stops. On June 13, 16, and 19, a very limited shuttle bus service will provide free connections to select Commuter Rail stations.
- Train tickets are also valid on ALL Commuter Rail trains on the day of your match!
Tickets and Scheduling
- Fans must purchase a special MBTA Boston Stadium Train ticket to ride on match days.
- Only fans with a valid ticket for that day’s match may purchase train tickets.
- Fans are encouraged to download the mTicket app to ease travel.
More information will be available through the MBTA World Cup Guide.
If Driving
- Parking must be purchased in advance.
- On-site parking purchases will not be available.
Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft will be available, but long wait times should be expected after matches. A dedicated drop-off and pick-up area is in Parking Lot #16.
Boston Stadium Express Bus
- Tickets are on sale for the Tournament’s preferred direct bus service.
- On matchdays, bus service will start 3 hours before kickoff, and buses will begin departure 30 minutes after the final whistle.
- Available exclusively for match ticket holders. You can purchase a Boston Stadium Express ticket in advance of having a match ticket; however, you will not be allowed to board the bus without displaying proof of your match ticket.
- Boston Stadium Express tickets are only valid for the day of the match in question.
- Accessible Buses are available
- Advanced booking only – spaces limited: Find out more and book your space here now.
Travel options continue to evolve as match days get closer. Check the FWC Boston page for more details and MassDOT’s Kick the Drive page for more information including real-time traffic updates.
- Boston Stadium is only accessible to fans with match tickets on match days.
- Fans without match tickets will not be permitted to enter the stadium perimeter.
- Visitors without match tickets are encouraged to attend watch parties and other celebrations happening across Massachusetts.
With many thousands of visitors expected during the FIFA World Cup, local, state, and federal authorities will work closely together to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for residents and visitors.
During the tournament, fans may notice an increased presence of emergency services and public safety personnel. Visitors attending tournament venues such as Boston Stadium and official fan festivals should expect security measures, including screening procedures and restrictions on certain items inside venues and on public transportation.
Massachusetts is committed to maintaining a safe environment for all visitors. If you see something that concerns you, notify event staff or local authorities.
Additional information regarding security procedures and venue policies will be shared as details are confirmed.
Fans should review the list of prohibited items before arriving at the stadium. Please note: Fans are permitted to bring in one, soft, plastic, 20 ounces (590ml), factory sealed disposable water bottle into any FIFA World Cup 2026 match in the USA and Canada. Hard sided, reusable water bottles are not permitted due to safety and security reasons.
Human Trafficking Awareness
Human trafficking can occur at large international events. Massachusetts provides resources and information to help identify and report concerns. Learn more about recognizing and reporting human trafficking:
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/human-trafficking-division-resources or https://itsapenalty.org/na2026/usa/massachusetts.
If you believe someone may be in immediate danger, contact 911.
The Host Committee’s Human Rights Update can be found here: https://bostonfwc26.com/human-rights-update/
FIFA Fan Festival(™) and Watch Parties
Even if you don’t have a ticket to a match, there will be many ways to join the excitement across Massachusetts.
Cities and towns throughout the state will host:
- Watch parties and community viewing events
- FIFA Fan Festival (TM) at Boston City Hall Plaza, including Cultural Showcase programming, from June 12 through June 27. Free and open to the public, with advance registration required. Registration does not guarantee entry; demand is expected to be high and organizers will be actively managing the fans entering the Festival for safety purposes.
- Cultural celebrations
These events will bring together fans from around the world to celebrate the tournament together.
Visiting Massachusetts
Time Zone
Eastern Standard Time
Entry Requirements
Travelers to the United States must have a valid passport. Some visitors may also require a visa or approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). More information is available through U.S. travel authorities.
Local Customs
- Legal drinking age: 21; Public consumption of alcohol is not allowed.
- Tipping is customary in restaurants and bars, typically 15–20%.
- More travel rules and pointers can be found here.
Travel Planning Tips
Visitors should plan ahead and allow additional travel time during the tournament.
- Downtown Boston will also host Sail Boston (July 11–16, 2026) and other events related to the 250th anniversary of the United States, which may increase travel demand.
- Temporary road closures and traffic adjustments may occur around Boston Stadium and downtown Boston during the tournament.
- If driving, check local traffic updates and allow extra time for travel.
- Visitors in oversize vehicles should pay special attention to height restrictions on roads along the Charles River in Boston and Cambridge: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/alert-for-fifa-tourists-and-travelers-on-dcr-river-road-height-restrictions
Boston is easily accessible by air, train, car, and bus, making it a convenient gateway for visitors traveling to Massachusetts for the FIFA World Cup.
Boston Logan International Airport
Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) is New England’s largest airport and a major gateway to the region. The airport is located just two miles from downtown Boston and approximately 60–90 minutes from Boston Stadium in Foxborough, depending on traffic. Logan Airport offers extensive global connectivity with:
- Non-stop international service from 56 destinations
- Non-stop domestic service from 77 destinations, including several FIFA World Cup host cities
- Service from approximately 40 airlines
Additional information about Logan Airport is available here.
Getting Between Logan Airport and Downtown Boston
Several convenient transportation options connect Boston Logan Airport with downtown Boston and the surrounding region.
Public Transportation
Visitors can access Boston’s public transportation system by following signs for Ground Transportation upon arrival.
-
- Silver Line Bus (SL1) – A free 20-minute bus service connecting Logan Airport to South Station in downtown Boston and the South Boston Waterfront/Seaport District.
- Blue Line Subway – Take the free Massport On-Airport Shuttle (Routes 22, 33, 55, or 66) to Airport Station, then ride the Blue Line to Government Center or State Street, where you can connect to other subway lines.
- Ferry Service – Take the free Massport Shuttle Route 66 to the Logan Water Transportation Dock for a short ferry ride to Long Wharf in downtown Boston.
Taxi and Rideshare
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- Taxi service to downtown Boston typically takes about 20 minutes and costs $20–$35, depending on traffic.
Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft are available from designated pickup areas at the airport. - Information on taxi and limousine services can be found on the Logan Airport website.
- Taxi service to downtown Boston typically takes about 20 minutes and costs $20–$35, depending on traffic.
Rental Cars
All major car rental companies operate at Logan Airport’s Rental Car Center, located close to airport terminals via the free Massport shuttle bus network (Routes 22, 33, or 55).
Additional information about Logan Airport ground transportation options is available here.
Driving Around Massachusetts
Many international driver’s licenses are valid in the United States without an International Driving Permit, but travelers should confirm requirements with their home country and rental provider. Some highways include electronic tolls, which may be charged through rental car providers or toll accounts.
Traveling to Massachusetts by Train or Bus
Massachusetts is also easily accessible by rail and coach bus services connecting Boston with major cities across the Northeast.
Amtrak Rail Service
Amtrak provides direct service between Boston and several major cities, including:
-
- New York City / New Jersey – approximately 4 hours 30 minutes
- Philadelphia – approximately 6 hours
- Washington, DC – approximately 7 hours
Amtrak trains arrive at South Station, Back Bay Station, and North Station, providing convenient connections to Boston’s subway system.
Additional information on Amtrak services is available here and here.
Intercity Bus Service
The South Station Bus Terminal is located at:
700 Atlantic Avenue
Boston, MA 02110
Ticket counters for several bus operators are located on the third floor of the South Station Transportation Center. For additional information, call the South Station Bus Terminal at 617-737-8040.
Getting Around Boston and Massachusetts
Boston’s public transportation system is operated by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), known locally as “the T.”
The system includes:
- Subway lines
- Commuter rail
- Buses
- Ferries
Boston’s Commuter Rail network connects downtown Boston with suburbs and communities across the region from major stations including South Station, North Station, and Back Bay. Commuter rail schedules and maps are available here. Boston Stadium Train ticket holders can use any Commuter Rail train service throughout the day of their match for no additional cost.
Several commuter rail fare promotions will be available through June, July, and August 2026 including free commuter rail service on Fridays and more! Learn more here. Note: Regular fares will be in place for Boston Stadium Trains, the CapeFLYER, and any other special event trains to Foxborough.
The Bluebikes bike share system consists of more than 5,000 bikes across 600 stations in Metro Boston.
While You’re in Massachusetts

There’s more happening across the state while you’re here for the World Cup. From historic celebrations to international events, visitors can take part in unique experiences happening throughout Massachusetts during the tournament. Massachusetts takes pride in being welcoming to all–whoever you are and wherever you are from, you are welcome here.
America’s 250th Anniversary
In 2026, the United States will mark the 250th anniversary of independence, and Massachusetts will play a central role in the national commemoration. Throughout the year, special events and celebrations will take place across the state as part of Massachusetts 250.
Sail Boston 2026
Boston will host Sail Boston, part of the international Sail250 celebration. From July 11–16, 2026, tall ships from around the world will gather in Boston Harbor for ship tours, cultural programming, and maritime celebrations.
Extra Time in Massachusetts

The World Cup may bring you to Massachusetts for a match, but the time between games is your extra time.
Take advantage of your stay by exploring everything the state has to offer.
- Extra Time in History. Walk the Freedom Trail (bonus: check out the Boston Common monument commemorating the Oneida Football Club, the first organized football club in America), visit Lexington and Concord, and explore the places where the American Revolution began.
- Extra Time on the Coast. Discover Plymouth and Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, and the scenic coastal towns of the North Shore.
- Extra Time for Food. From seafood and historic taverns to international cuisine and award-winning restaurants, Massachusetts offers a vibrant culinary scene.
- Extra Time for Culture. Visit world-class museums, music venues, theaters, and cultural institutions across the state.
- Extra Time Outdoors. Hike in the Berkshires, bike scenic trails, hop on a whale watch, go deep-sea fishing, pick your own berries at a farm, or explore the state’s many parks and waterfronts.
- Extra Time for Celebrations. June is full of festivals, fun, and celebrations including Pride Month and Juneteenth.
Plan Your Visit
For travel , lodging, and things to do across Massachusetts, visit:
VisitMA.com, sign up for our newsletter, or follow us on social media @VisitMA.
Helpful Links
- FIFA World Cup 2026 Boston Host Committee
- Meet Boston guide to the FIFA World Cup 2026
- Massachusetts Regional Tourism Councils
- Boston Stadium
- Visit Foxborough Plainville and Wrentham
- LGBTQ+ Travel Tips for Massachusetts
- Consular Corps in Massachusetts
- Protecting Public Health During the World Cup
- MBTA Digital Guide
- Fan Checklist
