Boston (Gillette Stadium, Foxborough)

Boston (FIFA venue name: "Boston Stadium", i.e., Gillette Stadium in Foxborough) will host seven matches: five group‑stage games, one Round of 32, and a Quarter‑final on Thu, July 9, 2026.

Official dates & match numbers at Boston Stadium:

• Sat, June 13 — Match 5 (Group)
• Tue, June 16 — Match 18 (Group)
• Fri, June 19 — Match 30 (Group)
• Tue, June 23 — Match 45 (Group)
• Fri, June 26 — Match 61 (Group)
• Mon, June 29 — Match 74 (Round of 32)
• Thu, July 9 — Match 97 (Quarter‑final)

The Boston Host Committee and Gillette Stadium list the same seven dates and rounds; Meet Boston's city guide echoes the schedule and the temporary FIFA naming.

Venue: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA (opened 2002; tournament capacity ~65k). Significant renovations add 360° concourse connectivity, new hospitality spaces, and a massive end‑zone board—upgrades that will be in place for 2026.

Clear‑bag policy (don't get turned around at security):

Allowed: 1 clear plastic/vinyl/PVC bag ≤ 12″×12″×6″; OR a 1‑gallon clear bag; plus 1 small wristlet/clutch ≤ 6.5″×4.5″. Medical needs permitted after screening. Mobile lockers are available outside if you brought a non‑compliant bag.

Not allowed: backpacks/large purses and any bag exceeding limits. (Plan "no‑bag" for the quickest entry.)

1) MBTA Commuter Rail — Event Trains (recommended)

On big event days, the MBTA and Keolis run special event trains timed to kickoff/whistle from Boston South Station (stopping Back Bay & Dedham Corporate Center) and—on select events—from Providence (stopping Pawtucket/Central Falls, Attleboro, Mansfield) to Foxboro Station, a ¼‑mile walk to the gates. Round‑trip: $20 via the mTicket app; trains are scheduled to arrive ~60–90 minutes before and depart ~30 minutes after the event.

Match‑day capacity upgrades: MBTA is fast‑tracking Foxboro Station improvements (high‑level boarding and a temporary second platform) to be ready for June 2026 to speed crowds on/off trains.

2) Regular Franklin/Foxboro Line

Outside special trains, you can ride the Franklin/Foxboro Line to Foxboro, but be aware scheduled last trains may depart before events end—check times carefully. One‑way from South Station is $8.75 (or use a $10 Weekend Pass).

3) Driving & parking

Gillette has extensive on‑site parking, but matchdays will be busy and premium‑priced—pre‑purchase when offered and expect post‑match delays. (The stadium's event pages consolidate parking/transportation links.)

From BOS (Logan International):

Silver Line SL1 is free from the airport to South Station and serves all terminals curbside—perfect if you're connecting to Commuter Rail or the Red Line.

Blue Line also reaches the airport (via free Massport shuttles to Airport Station) and connects downtown at State/Government Center.

For SL1 timetables and stop list (Terminals A–E ↔ South Station), see the MBTA route page.

As of now, Boston's official Fan Festival site has not been publicly confirmed. The Host Committee is planning citywide celebrations (~40 days) and large‑scale fan activations, pending final funding and operational decisions. (Local reporting notes the committee is awaiting state funding that would help underwrite the major fan event.)

Several travel guides note the location is TBD (past shortlists have included central civic spaces), but no official site has been announced—watch the Boston 26 and Meet Boston pages for the final reveal.

Boston Host Committee

Downtown/Seaport or Back Bay: Walking distance to South Station (SL1/Commuter Rail), nightlife, and the waterfront. SL1 from BOS drops you right at South Station for transit or a quick rideshare. Perfect base for accessing event trains to Foxboro.

Cambridge: Quick access to the Red Line and downtown, with vibrant dining and cultural scene. Slightly longer commute to South Station but great for exploring Harvard Square and MIT.

North End/Waterfront: Historic neighborhood with Italian dining, waterfront views, and easy access to downtown transit hubs.

Base Downtown/Seaport or Back Bay. You'll be walking distance to South Station (SL1/CR), nightlife, and the waterfront. SL1 from BOS drops you right at South Station for transit or a quick rideshare.

Matchdays: Buy MBTA event train tickets early in mTicket (they sell out), arrive at South Station ~2 hours pre‑kick, and let the crowd carry you the last ¼‑mile from Foxboro Station to the gates.

Off‑days: Freedom Trail/Seaport afternoons, North End nights; keep an eye on the Host Committee/Meet Boston feeds for festival/drop‑in events as they publish.

Heat & layers: New England in late June can be warm/humid by day and cooler after sunset—pack breathable layers and a light jacket. (Average June high ~76°F; July ~84°F.)

Transit choice: Event trains eliminate parking hunts and long post‑match exits; Foxboro Station's upgrades are aimed at faster boarding with kids in tow.

Bags: Stick to clear ≤12″×12″×6″ or a wristlet ≤6.5″×4.5″; otherwise plan to use mobile lockers outside security.

Family‑friendly activities: Museum of Science, New England Aquarium, Boston Children's Museum, and the Freedom Trail are all accessible via transit from downtown.

Tickets & hospitality

General admission tickets roll out in phases at FIFA.com/tickets; hospitality for Boston is available via the Boston Host Committee (On Location sub‑agent) and includes venue series and premium lounges.

Match‑day transport recap

• Best bet: MBTA Special Event Trains (South Station ↔ Foxboro; some from Providence), $20 round‑trip, timed to each match. Buy early in mTicket.
• Backup: Franklin/Foxboro Line (regular service; check last‑train times).
• Driving: Pre‑buy stadium parking; expect heavy traffic around Patriot Place.

Logan airport to downtown (for first‑timers)

SL1 (free airport → South Station) or Blue Line + free shuttle to Airport Station. Both are Massport‑endorsed and reliable.

The final 10 words on bags

Clear 12×12×6; clutch 6.5×4.5; medical OK; lockers available.

A) Singles — "South Station → Foxboro → Back Bay" (4 days)

• Day 1: Land BOS → SL1 to South Station → check‑in near Downtown/Back Bay; explore Seaport.
• Day 2 (Group match): Event train to Foxboro; celebrate at Patriot Place and head back on the return train.
• Day 3: Freedom Trail brunch + harbor cruise; evening fan events (watch Host Committee feed).
• Day 4: Coffee in the North End; SL1 back to BOS.

B) Families — "Less waiting, more cheering" (4 days)

• Day 1: Downtown hotel; practice your bag policy; download mTicket and buy event train seats.
• Day 2 (Group match): Arrive ~2 hours early via event train; sunscreen + hats; mobile lockers if needed.
• Day 3: Museum of Science/Aquarium day; early dinner, then head to any official watch party/festival once announced.
• Day 4: Stroll Boston Common/Public Garden; SL1 to BOS.

Gillette Stadium (Boston Stadium):

June 13 (M5), June 16 (M18), June 19 (M30), June 23 (M45), June 26 (M61), June 29 (M74, R32), July 9 (M97, Quarter‑final).