FIFA World Cup 26™ will be the largest to date, with 104 matches across three countries featuring 48 teams from around the world. The tournament will be played in 16 Host Cities across the United States, Canada and Mexico, marking the fourth FIFA World CupTM to be played on American soil and the second men’s edition of the tournament (’94) hosted in the United States in addition to two FIFA Women’s World Cups (’99 and ’03). The event will see Boston Stadium (Gillette Stadium) serve as the venue for five matches in FIFA World Cup 26TM group stage on June 13 (Saturday), June 16 (Tuesday), June 19 (Friday), June 23 (Tuesday), and June 26 (Friday). Boston was also awarded two matches in the knockout rounds, with one match each in the Round of 32 on June 29 (Monday), and Quarterfinal Round on July 9 (Thursday).
“Massachusetts is thrilled to welcome the many thousands of fans and visitors from around the world to our great state in the summer of 2026 for this truly unforgettable event. We are eager for this chance to shine the global spotlight on our local communities and incredible hospitality and entertainment industries,” said Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey. “We look forward to working alongside FIFA, Boston Soccer 26, the City of Boston, Meet Boston, and the Kraft Group, and other local leaders as we prepare to welcome the World Cup back to Massachusetts.”
“The City of Boston is thrilled to learn that Boston will host seven matches when the FIFA World Cup returns to our city and Massachusetts,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. "The 2026 World Cup™ is an exciting opportunity to showcase all that Boston has to offer as a premier travel destination and world-class hub for the arts, culture, and sports. We look forward to welcoming soccer fans from around the world as they come to celebrate the World Cup.”
“We are ecstatic with today’s news that Greater Boston will be hosting seven FIFA World Cup™ matches in the summer of 2026.” said Martha Sheridan President & CEO of Meet Boston. “This is the most iconic and impactful sporting event on the planet, putting our destination on the global stage while injecting hundreds of millions of dollars into our regional visitor economy. We are ready to welcome the world to Boston and will work with partners throughout the Northeast to facilitate amazing fan experiences up and down the East Coast.”
“Today marks an exciting moment as the FIFA World Cup returns to Boston. With seven matches to be played in Boston, we have an unprecedented opportunity to bring our community together in celebration of the world’s most popular sport,” said Mike Loynd, President of Boston Soccer 26. “We look forward to sharing more details soon on the opportunities of how Boston’s business community, passionate soccer fans, and citizens can get involved with what is guaranteed to be the most-watched sporting event in the world.”
In 1994 Boston hosted six matches also including the memorable Quarterfinal of the eventual runner-up Italy defeating Spain, 2-1, in front of 53,400 fans to earn its spot in the Semifinal Round. Boston also hosted Italy in the Round of 16 when the Azzurri defeated Nigeria, 2-1, after extra time.
As the United States celebrates 250 years of independence, nearly half a million visitors from around the world are expected to travel to Boston resulting in projected net economic impact of more than $500 million, according to the Boston Consulting Group. Boston’s pioneering spirit, rooted in four centuries of history and innovation with a vibrant international community spread across 23 unique neighborhoods, will be the perfect hosts for fans – with or without tickets – and visitors from around the world. Celebrations throughout the city and region will give all communities the opportunity to be part of the most unique and unifying sport event in the world.
Boston Soccer 26, Meet Boston, Kraft Sports & Entertainment, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the City of Boston, the Town of Foxborough, as well as local and regional agencies are working hard to ramp up coordinated efforts to ensure visitors experience Boston like never before.
FIFA World Cup 26™ in Boston will leave a lasting positive impact on the city and the region, and there will be many opportunities to get involved for local partners, businesses, and organizations. Various levels of support packages will be available including access to tickets, suites, branding opportunities, and supporting community projects. There will also be multiple opportunities for the people of Boston and the region to get involved via volunteering, being good hosts to our visitors and part of our city celebrations. Register your interest on our website www.bostonfwc26.com or contact us at info@ bostonfwc26.com.
FIFA World Cup 26TM Matches at Boston Stadium
Saturday, June 13, 2026 – Group Stage
Tuesday, June 16, 2026 – Group Stage
Friday, June 19, 2026 – Group Stage
Tuesday, June 23, 2026 – Group Stage
Friday, June 26, 2026 – Group Stage
Monday, June 29, 2026 – Round of 32
Thursday, July 9, 2026– Quarterfinal Round
Additional tournament details including ticketing information, match pairings by group, kickoff times, and the road to the final will be revealed by FIFA at a later date. Boston Soccer 26 will also be providing more information on how the Boston business community can get involved as partners, where fans can join FIFA World CupTM celebrations and fan fests, and how all those interested can get involved as volunteers.