Gillette Stadium World Cup 2026: Schedule, Tickets, Travel Guide & History
Gillette Stadium will host seven matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup from June 13 through July 9. The Foxborough venue stands as one of only four stadiums selected to host a quarterfinal match. This marks a return of the World Cup to the Boston area after 32 years.
The stadium brings strong credentials to the tournament. Robert Kraft privately funded the entire $325 million construction in 2002. The venue recently completed a $225 million renovation featuring the largest outdoor video board in America.
Massachusetts expects 450,000 visitors and $500 million in economic impact. The Patriots and Revolution home field sits 22 miles southwest of Boston with excellent transit connections to the city.
Quick Facts: Gillette Stadium World Cup 2026
- Location: Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA
- Opened: September 9, 2002
- Capacity: 64,628 (82 suites, 5,876 club seats)
- World Cup Matches: 7 total – 5 group stage, 1 Round of 32, 1 quarterfinal
- Temporary FIFA Name: Boston Stadium
- Home Teams: New England Patriots (NFL), New England Revolution (MLS)
- Construction Cost: $325 million (privately funded)
- Key Features: Curved 22,000 sq. ft. video board, 218 ft. lighthouse with 360° deck, 75,000 sq. ft. of hospitality areas, and direct access to Patriot Place shopping center
Full Gillette Stadium World Cup 2026 Schedule
| Date | Match Stage | Kickoff Time |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday, June 13, 2026 | Group Stage | TBD |
| Tuesday, June 16, 2026 | Group Stage | TBD |
| Friday, June 19, 2026 | Group Stage | TBD |
| Tuesday, June 23, 2026 | Group Stage | TBD |
| Friday, June 26, 2026 | Group Stage | TBD |
| Monday, June 29, 2026 | Round of 32 | TBD |
| Thursday, July 9, 2026 | Quarterfinal | TBD |
The tournament opens June 11, 2026 in Mexico City. MetLife Stadium in New Jersey hosts the final on July 19. Gillette Stadium earned the first quarterfinal slot on July 9. SoFi Stadium, Arrowhead Stadium and Hard Rock Stadium host the other three quarterfinals.
Up to 14 national teams will compete at Gillette Stadium during the month-long tournament. FIFA announces specific team matchups after the December 2025 draw.
Also Check: FIFA World Cup 2026 full fixtures
How to Get 2026 World Cup Tickets: Gillette Stadium
FIFA manages all official ticket sales through FIFA.com/tickets. The first ticket drawing opened September 10, 2025 for Visa cardholders. A second lottery follows in late October with purchasing windows in November and December. The third phase begins after the December 5, 2025 World Cup Draw.
FIFA has not released specific prices for Gillette Stadium matches. Group stage tickets at other U.S. venues start at $60 for the cheapest seats. Quarterfinal matches command premium pricing. Dynamic pricing adjusts costs based on demand and team matchups.
Fans can purchase up to four tickets per match with a maximum of 10 matches total. FIFA will launch an official resale platform before the tournament. Secondary market tickets already appear on various resale sites at higher prices.
Travel Guide for World Cup Visitors
Getting There
Boston Logan International Airport sits 27 miles from the stadium. The drive takes about 42 minutes without traffic.
Logan offers international and domestic connections. T.F. Green Airport in Providence, Rhode Island provides an alternative 18 miles from Foxborough. That airport sometimes offers better flight deals than Logan.
Transportation Options
MBTA Commuter Rail:
- Special event train service runs from Boston and Providence during major games
- Regular service from Back Bay to Foxboro costs $3 to $10
- Journey takes 58 minutes from downtown Boston
- Confirm train schedules on MBTA.com before traveling
- Event organizers must request special service from MBTA
Rideshare and Taxis:
- Designated drop-off and pickup area in Lot 15 near CVS Health Gate
- Taxi from Logan Airport costs over $100
- Uber or Lyft from Boston runs $40 to $50
- Expect surge pricing and longer waits after matches
Where to Stay
The Renaissance Hotel sits next to Gillette Stadium at Patriot Place. Boston offers more hotel variety 22 miles north with easy train access. Providence hotels provide another option 18 miles south.
The Boston Soccer 2026 committee encourages fans to stay in Boston for the full tournament. Trains connect easily to Philadelphia and New York for other World Cup matches in the Northeast.
Dining and Nearby Attractions
Patriot Place shopping center surrounds the stadium with restaurants, Bass Pro Shops and entertainment venues. The complex includes CBS Scene restaurant and the Hall at Patriot Place. Boston offers world-class dining, historical sites and cultural attractions.
The Freedom Trail, Fenway Park and Boston Harbor sit within the city. Providence brings additional New England charm with WaterFire and historic neighborhoods.
Weather and What to Pack
Foxborough averages 77 degrees Fahrenheit in June with pleasant conditions. Temperatures drop to 57 degrees at night. The area sees about 11 rainy days in June with 80mm of rainfall. Boston weather changes quickly.
Pack layers for variable conditions. Nine hours of daily sunshine make June ideal for outdoor events. July brings similar temperatures with slightly more heat.
- Official Website: https://www.gillettestadium.com
- Map Link: https://www.gillettestadium.com/stadium-maps/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GilletteStadium/
Inside Gillette Stadium: History, Design and Key Features
History Highlights:
- Opened September 9, 2002 as first major Boston-area stadium in 100 years
- Cost $325 million with 100% private funding by Robert Kraft
- Replaced Foxboro Stadium which hosted 1994 World Cup matches
- Originally named CMGI Field before Gillette bought naming rights in 2002
- Naming rights extended through 2031 season
Home Teams and Major Events:
- Patriots sold out every game since stadium opening
- Hosted 2016 NHL Winter Classic and 2023 Army-Navy Game
- NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Championships in 2008, 2009, 2012, 2017, 2018, 2025
- 2016 Copa América Centenario matches
- Ranked 9th busiest stadium worldwide in 2017
Signature Design Features:
- Lighthouse entrance inspired by New England maritime heritage
- Pedestrian bridge resembling Boston’s Longfellow Bridge
- Three-tier seating bowl designed by Populous (formerly HOK Sport)
- Design based on Baltimore’s M&T Stadium
- Record attendance: 71,723 at Ed Sheeran concert in July 2023
Recent $225 Million Renovation:
- Completed September 2023 after 20-month construction
- Added largest outdoor curved video board in United States
- 370 feet long by 60 feet high panoramic LED screen
- Built 218-foot lighthouse tower with observation deck
- Created 75,000 square feet of connected hospitality spaces
FIFA World Cup 2026 Preparations (Boston Stadium)
FIFA requires neutral stadium names during tournaments. Gillette Stadium becomes Boston Stadium for the World Cup. All Gillette branding gets covered throughout the event.
The stadium needs two major changes before June 2026. First, workers will remove corner seats to meet FIFA field dimensions. The wider soccer pitch requires more space than standard NFL fields. This work affects World Cup capacity only. Regular events keep full seating after the tournament.
Second, crews will install natural grass to replace the current FieldTurf surface. FIFA demands natural grass at all World Cup venues. The conversion costs $3 to $4 million per stadium. Workers will completely remove the artificial turf and build a new field from the ground up. The installation uses shallow pitch profile technology with drainage modules and irrigation systems. Grass grows in less than eight weeks before the June 13 opening match.
The stadium completed its major renovation in 2023. The new video board, lighthouse tower and expanded hospitality areas already meet FIFA standards. Gillette Stadium benefits from recent upgrades that other venues still need.
Gillette Stadium World Cup 2026 FAQs
How many World Cup matches will Gillette Stadium host?
The stadium hosts seven total matches including five group stage games, one Round of 32 match and one quarterfinal on July 9, 2026.
What is the seating capacity for World Cup matches?
Standard capacity holds 64,628 fans. The removal of corner seats may reduce capacity slightly during the tournament to accommodate the wider soccer field.
Which national teams will play at Gillette Stadium?
FIFA announces specific team matchups after the December 2025 draw. Up to 14 different national teams could compete at the venue during the tournament.
How do I get from Boston to Gillette Stadium?
The MBTA Commuter Rail runs special event trains from Boston and Providence. Regular service from Back Bay to Foxboro takes 58 minutes and costs $3 to $10. Confirm schedules on MBTA.com.
Does the stadium use grass or artificial turf for World Cup matches?
FIFA requires natural grass. Workers will remove the current FieldTurf and install a world-class grass pitch before the tournament. The artificial surface returns after the World Cup.
What is the best airport for reaching Gillette Stadium?
Boston Logan International Airport sits 27 miles away with a 42-minute drive. T.F. Green Airport in Providence offers an alternative 18 miles from the stadium.
What is the temporary name during the World Cup?
FIFA will refer to it as “Boston Stadium.”
Has Foxborough hosted World Cup matches before?
Foxboro Stadium hosted six matches during the 1994 World Cup including a memorable quarterfinal where Italy defeated Spain 2-1 before 53,400 fans.
What is the economic impact of hosting World Cup matches?
Massachusetts expects 450,000 visitors to Foxborough during the tournament. The matches should generate $500 million for the state economy.
Plan Your Boston World Cup Experience
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will return to New England for the first time in 32 years. Gillette Stadium will host seven matches from mid-June through early July, ending with a quarterfinal game. Fans can also travel easily to other nearby venues in New York and Philadelphia.
Book your stay early since hotels across the Boston area fill up fast during big events. The MBTA Commuter Rail offers a direct and easy trip from downtown Boston to the stadium.
Check here updates and ticket draw dates.
Gillette Stadium’s $225 million renovation and strong sports tradition make it an ideal World Cup venue. Massachusetts combines history, energy, and true New England hospitality for visiting fans.
For local updates and fan events, visit bostonfwc26.com. For train schedules and travel details, go to MBTA.com. Plan ahead, book early, and get ready for an unforgettable World Cup experience in Boston.
