Intense World Cup Preparation Within Greater Boston in Full Swing
Preparation for the FIFA World Cup 2026 is in full swing within Massachusetts, as Gillette Stadium (also known as the Boston Stadium) is set to be the host of seven matches between June 13 and July 9. Gillette has hosted World Cup matches in the past, but this year, it will host the most it ever has in tournament history.
Preparation for this event has been intense. New bus transportation for the days of matches has been added, serving up to 10,000 fans per match, with 20+ pick-up/drop-off points within Greater Boston and the surrounding areas. These stops include essential locations such as Logan Airport and the Rhode Island Convention Center in Providence.
There is only one direct line running from South Station to Gillette, with 14 trains running on the line every day of the match. Tickets are already available for sale and are currently going for $80 for a round trip.
The Foxboro Police have also been prepping roads for the matches, urging fans to stay on Route 1, I-495, and I-95, which may be subject to lane adjustments to ease traffic.
“Do not listen to your GPS that wants to throw you off onto a side road saying it’s going to save you 26 seconds. You will be disappointed and probably lose an hour and a half,” Foxboro Police Chief Michael Grace said.
Security is being ramped up within the stadium, in transportation facilities, and all through areas of Greater Boston, with $76 million in federal funding committed to the security and overall preparedness of the event. Numerous state agencies that will be involved in the security of the World Cup have taken part in 16 training classes and five exercise rehearsals ahead of the tournament.
The friendly match, which happens months ahead of the official tournament, was hosted by Gillette in March. This match featured a game between Brazil and France drawing in fans from all over. Prior to the event, Governor Maura Healey stated in a press conference that her office was taking this event with the utmost seriousness.
“I don’t look at this [friendly match] as a trial run. I look at this as a major event we are putting on tomorrow. We have a lot of people coming in from all over.”
Overall the match was very successful, with officials taking note of small areas in need of improvement ahead of the official tournament in order to show the world that Boston is an exceptional host.
