Road to USA 2026: discovering the cities that will host the World Cup – Episode 3
Number of games: Seven, including a quarter-final match
- Explore half a mile of exhibits at the Museum of Sports, which celebrates Boston’s rich sports history and is located inside TD Garden, home of the Boston Bruins and Boston Celtics. Would-be sportscasters can sit at a replica New England Sports Network (NESN) desk, where visitors can “Be the Broadcaster.”
- With 14 televisions across two floors, The Banshee is the outpost of choice for the American Outlaws (supporters of the U.S. national football team) as well as fans of other major sports leagues. On special celebrity bartending nights, local athletes pour drinks at this mainstay Dorchester-based Irish pub.
- Step onto Boston Common, America’s oldest public park, where early versions of football were played as far back as 1862. The park was also home to the Oneida Football Club, the first organized American football club. A nearby monument honors pioneers of the sport.
- Want even more football? Before and after the tournament, catch the Boston Legacy in their inaugural season in the National Women’s Soccer League.
Overtime Goals: Road Trips from Boston
Boston is the ideal starting point for exploring the scenic beauty, maritime heritage, and charming coastal communities of Massachusetts. From historic harbors and picturesque beaches to quaint New England villages, these destinations offer the perfect escape beyond the World Cup action.
• Falmouth, Massachusetts – A classic Cape Cod destination known for its beautiful beaches, cycling trails, and relaxed seaside atmosphere.
• Edgartown, Massachusetts – Located on Martha’s Vineyard, this elegant coastal town is famous for its historic architecture, lighthouse views, and waterfront charm.
• Hyannis, Massachusetts – The vibrant heart of Cape Cod, offering bustling marinas, fresh seafood, and ferry connections to nearby islands.
• Provincetown, Massachusetts – Situated at the tip of Cape Cod, it is renowned for its artistic spirit, stunning ocean scenery, and whale-watching excursions.
• Woods Hole, Massachusetts – A picturesque village celebrated for its world-class oceanographic institutions, waterfront walks, and maritime character.
Boston Stadium (Gillette Stadium)
Location: Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA
Capacity: 65,000
Opened: 2002
FIFA World Cup 2026 Schedule: Five group-stage matches, one Round of 32 match, and one quarter-final.
Boston Stadium will host a total of seven matches during the biggest FIFA World Cup ever staged, including a Round of 32 fixture and the tournament’s first quarter-final on July 9, 2026.
Located in Foxborough, approximately 35 kilometers (22 miles) southwest of downtown Boston, Gillette Stadium is one of the premier sports and entertainment venues in the United States. Since opening in 2002, it has served as the home of Major League Soccer’s New England Revolution and the NFL’s New England Patriots, one of the most successful franchises in American football history.
Ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, the stadium is undergoing a major renovation project designed to further enhance the fan experience. Once completed, the venue will feature the largest outdoor high-definition stadium screen in the United States, covering more than 2,000 square meters, along with nearly 5,000 square meters of new hospitality and premium spaces enclosed by glass and connected throughout the stadium via a 360-degree concourse.
Boston Stadium has a long tradition of hosting major international soccer events. Over the years, it has welcomed matches from the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2003, the Copa América Centenario, the Concacaf Gold Cup, and the International Champions Cup, while also regularly staging international friendlies featuring some of the world’s top national teams and clubs.
Beyond soccer, the venue has become one of New England’s leading entertainment destinations, hosting concerts by some of the biggest names in global music and attracting millions of visitors each year.
The stadium’s location in the greater Boston area offers visiting fans the opportunity to experience one of America’s most historic cities while attending World Cup matches. With its modern facilities, rich sporting heritage, and ongoing upgrades, Boston Stadium is set to provide a world-class stage for FIFA World Cup 2026.
Did You Know? Gillette Stadium was one of the venues used during the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2003 and will become one of only a handful of stadiums in the United States to have hosted both a FIFA Women’s World Cup and a FIFA Men’s World Cup.
