The last time Boston hosted the FIFA World Cup was in the ’90s, and now it’s returning almost three decades later for seven games this summer, as one of the 11 host cities in the U.S.
Though the tournament runs from June 11 to July 19, Boston’s games will include five group-stage matches, a round of 32 match and a quarterfinal, which will wrap up the local action on July 9.
Where is the World Cup being held in Boston?
Bostonians will know the FIFA matches are being held at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, which has been rebranded as Boston Stadium for the duration of the World Cup. If you’re unfamiliar with the location, the stadium is the official home of the New England Patriots and adjacent to Patriot Place, a 1.3-million-square-foot open-air complex that’s home to 27-plus restaurants and bars, plus shopping and entertainment. On a good day with no traffic, it’s about a 40-minute drive from Logan Airport and most of Boston’s popular neighborhoods.
How can I get to Gillette Stadium?
About 22 miles (35 km) south of the city, everyone venturing to Boston Stadium will go via car or train—so you’re going to encounter the crowds and traffic however you decide to get there. If you’re planning to drive, parking passes are only available to purchase online for match ticket holders. Parking lots are a 5 to 10 minute walk away, and prices range from $175 for group-stage matches to $220 for Round of 32 games and $270 for the quarterfinals. Oversized parking ranges between $600 and $980.
In Boston, the excitement of a game usually begins on the public transportation to the venue—and FIFA is no exception! During the World Cup, the MBTA (known as the “T” to locals) will run a Boston Stadium train service that will take guests directly to and from Foxborough for $80 (must be purchased in advance). For each match, 14 trains will run express between South Station in Boston—accessible via the MBTA Red Line, Silver Line (SL1, SL2, SL3) and multiple Commuter Rail lines—and Foxboro Station, located next to the stadium. The ride is only an hour, and will be the only MBTA service traveling directly to the stadium on match days.
Can I still get tickets?
Yes! Last-minute ticket sales are still being released on an ongoing basis until the end of the tournament, on a first-come-first-served basis. These tickets go extremely fast, but you can also try your luck on the resale marketplace. There’s also a select few tickets on StubHub from $200 upwards, depending on the game.
Where should I stay in Boston?
If you’re here for a quick match and out the next day, there are plenty of hotels near Logan Airport to choose from. From here, the Silver line transfers directly from the airport to South Station (where you can catch the Boston Stadium train service). If you’d rather not risk delayed buses and traffic, the Intercontinental Boston is a four-minute walk to the station.
Do you want to be in the action? If so, there is a Hilton Garden Inn and Renaissance Boston Hotel right in Patriot’s Place. As of now, June 22 to July 1 is sold out at Garden Inn, but there are a few nights available here and there for rates as low as $309. The Renaissance has a little more space, with rates ranging between $310 and $2,300. Other than the shops and restaurants, there’s not much else in the area, so it’s best suited if you prioritize convenience.
For a stay just outside the city but still close to the action, the Charles Hotel in Harvard Square is a luxury option for those seeking a respite from Downtown Boston’s crowds. It’s within walking distance of several Cambridge fan zones, with easy Red Line access into the city.
What else should I do in Boston while visiting?
Following Newbury Street all the way to Boston Common is as iconic as it gets—especially in the summer, when the parks and streets are lined with blossoms and tulips. For a blend of history and Charles River views, head to the cobblestone streets of Beacon Hill, with the Cheers Bar just around the corner. For museums, the Isabella Gardner Museum, MFA and ICA are all great choices.
What’s the match schedule?
Saturday, June 13
🇭🇹 Haiti vs. 🏴 Scotland at 9pm EST
Tuesday, June 16
🇮🇶 Iraq vs. 🇳🇴 Norway (playoff winner) at 6pm EST
Friday, June 19
🏴 Scotland vs. 🇲🇦 Morocco at 6pm EST
Tuesday, June 23
🏴 England vs. 🇬🇭 Ghana at 4pm EST
Friday, June 26
🇳🇴 Norway vs. 🇫🇷 France at 3pm EST
Monday, June 29
Round of 32: Group E winner vs. Group A/B/C/D/F third place at 4:30pm EST
Thursday, July 9
Quarterfinal: TBD vs. TBD (teams determined by prior knockout results at 4pm EST
Are there any official fan festivals or watch parties?
Though not quite as thrilling as the roar of the stadium, Boston will host a FIFA Fan Festival during the group stage matches from June 12 to 27 in the heart of Downtown. Free for all and located in City Hall Plaza, there will be a food and beverage program, football-themed activities and live match broadcasts. There will also be free, rotating fan zones around Cambridge, which can be found in Central Square (June 13), Harvard Square (June 16), Inman Square (June 19), MIT Open Space (June 23), Central Square (June 26), East Cambridge (June 29) and Cambridge Crossing (July 9). For Scots, the Haven will host a three-day festival from June 12 to14. As the city’s only Scottish bar, there will be match coverage, special guests and live entertainment for the Tartan army.
