At a Glance
- Location
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Country
- USA
- Metro Population
- 4.9 million
- Total Matches
- 7 matches
- Match Period
- -
- Primary Stadium
- Gillette Stadium
- Recommended Stay
- 3-5 days
- Daily Budget
- $150-220/person
- Best Time to Visit
- Last Updated
Best Time
Ideal Stay
3-5 days
Daily Budget
$150-220/person
Walkability
10/10 - Most walkable major US city
Transit
9/10 - Excellent MBTA subway/bus (but stadium is challenging)
Safety
9/10 - Very safe tourist areas
About Boston
Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts (30 miles south of Boston) will host 7 FIFA World Cup 2026 matches from June 13 to July 9, 2026, including 5 group stage matches featuring England vs Ghana and Norway vs France, a Round of 32 match, and a Quarterfinal. This is one of the highest-profile venues after the Final (MetLife Stadium, NJ) and Semifinals (AT&T Stadium Dallas, Mercedes-Benz Stadium Atlanta). The tournament will generate an estimated $1.1 billion economic impact for Greater Boston.
City Character
Boston is America's Revolutionary War capital and most walkable major city. The Freedom Trail (2.5-mile red-brick path connecting 16 historic sites including Boston Massacre site, Paul Revere House, Old North Church), Fenway Park (America's oldest baseball stadium, 1912), North End (Little Italy with legendary cannoli wars), and Harvard/MIT campuses make this a world-class destination. Boston combines colonial history, academic prestige, championship sports culture, and exceptional seafood in one compact, walkable urban experience.
Stadium Location
However, Gillette Stadium is NOT in Boston—it's 30 miles south in suburban Foxborough, requiring MBTA special event commuter rail (45-60 min, $20 round-trip) or expensive Uber ($80-150 each way with surge pricing). The stadium will be temporarily renamed 'Boston Stadium' for FIFA World Cup branding.
Critical Info
The MBTA commuter rail to Foxboro Station runs ONLY on match days (no weekday service for stadium visits). You MUST download the mTicket app and book ...
Where to Stay
Boston has 600+ hotels (65,000+ rooms) but expect 100-150% surge pricing during World Cup, with FIFA reserving 3,900 rooms nightly for 40 days. Back Bay ($200-450/night) is best for first-time visitors: walkable to Freedom Trail, Fenway Park, restaurants, with direct access to South Station for commuter rail to stadium. Foxborough hotels ($150-280/night) are walking distance to stadium but 30 miles from all Boston tourist attractions—only stay there if you plan ZERO Boston sightseeing or have rental car. Book 3-6 months in advance for best rates.
Gillette Stadium
Foxborough, Massachusetts
FIFA: Boston Stadium
65,000
Capacity
7
Matches
30mi
From Downtown
2002
Opened
Transport
MBTA Commuter Rail (special event trains, match days only)
Open-air stadium with NO roof coverage - matches can be delayed for thunderstorms
Economic Impact
$1.1 billion to Greater Boston economy, 5,000 new jobs, $60 million in tax revenue
Get Involved
3,000 volunteers volunteers needed!
Meet Boston (invested $5 million)
America's Revolutionary War capital meets world-class soccer
Top Highlights
Unique Experiences
- ★Walk the Freedom Trail where American Revolution started (Boston Massacre site,
- ★Touch John Harvard statue toe at Harvard Yard (good luck tradition - though it's
- ★Eat authentic lobster rolls at Neptune Oyster ($32 but locals swear it's the bes
- ★Watch Red Sox game at Fenway Park, sit on or below the legendary Green Monster
- ★Cannoli taste test: Mike's Pastry (tourist favorite) vs Modern Pastry (local fav
Perfect For
History enthusiasts (Revolutionary War sites everywhere)
Foodies (Italian, seafood, colonial taverns)
University campus explorers (Harvard, MIT, Boston University)
Walkable city lovers (no car needed for Boston sightseeing)
This City Might Not Be For You If...
Match Schedule
7 matches • Group Stage, Round of 32, Quarterfinal
🇭🇹 Haiti vs 🏴☠️ Scotland
Saturday, June 13, 2026
9:00 PM ET
FIFA Play-off 2 vs Norway
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
6:00 PM ET
🏴☠️ Scotland vs 🇲🇦 Morocco
Friday, June 19, 2026
6:00 PM ET
🏴☠️ England vs 🇬🇭 Ghana
Tuesday, June 23, 2026
4:00 PM ET
🇳🇴 Norway vs 🇫🇷 France
Friday, June 26, 2026
3:00 PM ET
TBD vs TBD
Monday, June 29, 2026
4:00 PM ET
TBD vs TBD
Thursday, July 9, 2026
4:00 PM ET
Stadium Quick Tips
Weather During World Cup
Early summer (June-July) • 74-82°F (23-28°C)
Average High
80°F
(27°C)
Average Low
62°F
(17°C)
Rainy Days
9-11 days/month
per month
Humidity
69%
80% morning, 58% afternoon
What to Expect
June and July in Boston are warm with temperatures averaging 74-82°F (23-28°C). Humidity peaks at 69% (80% morning, 58% afternoon) making it feel muggy but not oppressive like Miami. Rain is common (9-11 rainy days/month) with brief afternoon showers. Gillette Stadium is an open-air stadium with NO roof coverage—matches can be delayed for thunderstorms. Pack light layers: mornings/evenings cool (60-65°F), afternoons warm (75-85°F). Sunscreen (SPF 50+), hat, sunglasses, and light rain jacket essential. Hydrate constantly (2-3 liters/day).
Daylight Hours
14-15+ hours daylight • 5:10-5:25 AM - 8:20-8:30 PM
Humidity Pattern
80% morning, 58% afternoon - muggy but tolerable (not oppressive like Miami)
Packing Essentials
- Light rain jacket or poncho (fits in clear bag)
- Layers (mornings 60°F, afternoons 80°F+)
- Sunscreen SPF 50+ (reapply every 2 hours)
- Sunglasses + baseball cap
- Comfortable walking shoes (5-7 miles/day)
- Reusable water bottle (tap water safe)
- Power bank (10,000+ mAh)
- Cash ($100-200 for North End cash-only restaurants)
Plan Your Visit
Everything you need for an unforgettable World Cup experience
Day-by-Day Itinerary
3 days of curated experiences
Day 1: Freedom Trail & North End Food Tour
Revolutionary War history + Italian feast
Moderate
Day 2: World Cup Match Day at Gillette Stadium
Commuter rail journey + international soccer atmosphere
Moderate (but mostly sitting/waiting)
Day 3: Fenway Park & Harvard Campus
Baseball history + Ivy League exploration
Relaxed
Getting Around
Transport options
MBTA Commuter Rail from South Station to Foxboro Station
$20 round-trip per person
Uber / Lyft
$40-60 normal, $80-150 surge each way on match days
Safety Tips
Safe areas & advice
Back Bay / Beacon Hill
Very Safe (9/10) ⭐
Downtown / Financial District
Very Safe (9/10) ⭐
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Gillette Stadium from Boston?
Gillette Stadium is 30 miles SOUTH of Boston in Foxborough, MA. The ONLY public transit option is MBTA special event commuter rail from South Station (Boston) to Foxboro Station (5-10 min walk to stad...
Read more →Can I take the subway ('The T') to the stadium?
NO. The subway (Red/Orange/Green/Blue lines) does NOT go to Foxborough. The subway system ends about 20 miles short of the stadium. You MUST take the Commuter Rail (Purple Line on MBTA maps) special e...
Read more →Should I stay in Boston or Foxborough?
Stay in Boston (Back Bay or Downtown) unless you plan ZERO Boston sightseeing. Boston hotels ($200-450/night) are walkable to Freedom Trail, Fenway Park, North End restaurants, Harvard, with 45-60 min...
Read more →Do I need a car in Boston?
NO for Boston sightseeing. Boston has excellent MBTA subway/bus ('The T') at $2.40 per ride or $12.75 unlimited day pass, and is America's most walkable major city. Parking at hotels costs $45-65/day....
Read more →What matches are confirmed for Boston?
7 matches confirmed: (1) Haiti vs Scotland (June 13, 9 PM), (2) FIFA Playoff Winner vs Norway (June 16, 6 PM), (3) Scotland vs Morocco (June 19, 6 PM), (4) England vs Ghana (June 23, 4 PM), (5) Norway...
Read more →How far is Gillette Stadium from downtown Boston?
30 miles south (48 km). Takes 45-60 minutes by MBTA Commuter Rail from South Station (Boston) to Foxboro Station, then 5-10 minute walk to stadium entrance. Allow 90-120 minutes total from downtown ho...
Read more →What if I miss the last commuter rail train after the match?
Uber/Lyft back to Boston costs $80-150 (2-3x surge pricing). Last train typically departs 90 minutes after final whistle. If you think you'll miss it: (1) Leave match 5-10 minutes early to secure trai...
Read more →Is Boston safe for tourists?
Yes, tourist areas (Back Bay, Downtown, North End, Cambridge, Seaport) are very safe day and night. Boston ranks among top 10 safest large US cities. Avoid Dorchester, Roxbury, Mattapan neighborhoods ...
Read more →How expensive is Boston?
Very expensive, comparable to NYC/San Francisco. Budget breakdown per person per day: Food + attractions $100-150 (lobster rolls $18-32, museums $10-30, many FREE Freedom Trail sites), hotels $200-450...
Read more →Does Gillette Stadium have a roof?
NO. Gillette Stadium is an open-air stadium with NO roof coverage whatsoever. Bring sunscreen SPF 50+, hat, sunglasses, and compact poncho in clear bag. Matches can be delayed for lightning/thundersto...
Read more →When should I arrive at Gillette Stadium?
Arrive 90-120 minutes before kickoff minimum. Timeline: Commuter rail trains depart South Station 2-3 hours before kickoff → arrive Foxboro Station 45-60 minutes later → walk 5-10 minutes to stadium →...
Read more →What food must I try in Boston?
Essential Boston foods: (1) New England clam chowder - Legal Sea Foods or Union Oyster House, (2) Lobster roll hot with butter - Neptune Oyster ($32, locals say best in New England) or James Hook & Co...
Read more →+ 6 more questions answered
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