World Cup 2026 travel guide: Boston

Boston has won more major sports championships than any American city this millennium, so it only makes sense the World Cup will be coming to the city.

While “Boston Stadium” isn’t actually in the city, tourists coming to catch the seven World Cup games in Foxborough will be looking to spend plenty of time in Boston. The city is brimming with history, as one of the key cities of the American Revolution, and has plenty to offer in terms of food, drink and recreation as well.

Here’s all you need to know about Boston as it prepares to help host the 2026 World Cup:

What games are in Boston?

The Boston region has drawn seven games for the 2026 World Cup, five in the group stage and two in the knockout rounds. They are as follows:

• June 13: Haiti vs. Scotland
• June 16: Iraq vs. Norway
• June 19: Scotland vs. Morocco
• June 23: England vs. Ghana
• June 26: Norway vs. France
• June 29: Round of 32
• July 9: Quarterfinals

Where are the games in Boston being played?

The Boston World Cup games aren’t actually going to be played in Boston. They will be played at Gillette Stadium – which has been renamed “Boston Stadium” for the World Cup – in Foxborough, Massachusetts, which is about 22 miles south of Boston.

Boston Stadium was constructed in 2002 and has a seating capacity of up to 68,756. The stadium was renovated in 2023 and now possesses a 22,000-square-foot outdoor video board.

Boston Stadium has hosted many CONCACAF Gold Cup games and Copa America games throughout its history, along with numerous friendly matches between international foes. It also hosted four matches during the 2003 Women’s World Cup, including the USWNT’s 1-0 quarterfinal win over Norway, during which Abby Wambach scored the decisive goal in the 24th minute.

The multi-purpose stadium is also home to the NFL’s New England Patriots, MLS’s New England Revolution and the NWSL’s Boston Legacy.

How to get around in Boston

Boston’s primary public transit system is the MBTA, and tourists can use the subway system – known colloquially as “The T” – to get around the city with relative ease. The city is also walkable and has BLUEbikes for rent.

Getting to Foxborough for the game will be a bit more challenging, but the MBTA has introduced an express train line – the “Boston Stadium Train service” – between South Station and Foxboro Station for easy access to Boston Stadium. A total of 14 trains will run without stops between the two stations for each match.

The train ride from the city to the stadium is estimated to take about an hour. Tickets – which are round-trip – are priced at $80.

There will be no MBTA subway or bus service to the stadium aside from the Boston Stadium Train services. As such, those unwilling or unable to get tickets for the train will need to consider driving the 22 miles to Foxborough or getting a rideshare to the stadium.

Where to stay in Boston

Before you start looking for hotels, it’s imperative to decide whether you’d like to stay in Boston or closer to the stadium in Foxborough.

Boston has countless distinct neighborhoods, with Downtown, the North End, Back Bay and the Seaport representing just a smattering of the options for those looking to stay in the city. All have a mix of upscale, moderately priced and budget options.

Meanwhile, there are also a smattering of hotels in Foxborough and neighboring Walpole for those preferring to stay closer to the stadium.

Where to eat in Boston

Boston is loaded with good restaurants, especially in the North End, where every restaurant is great. Here are some of the best places to check out:

Union Oyster House. Any time a restaurant has been open for 200 years, you know it’s good. It’s on the Freedom Trail and a block from Faneuil Hall and serves up plenty of great seafood.

Mamma Maria. You can’t go wrong with any Italian restaurant in the North End, and Mamma Maria’s ever-changing daily menu guarantees you are getting a great, fresh meal.

The Dubliner. If you’re looking to tap into Boston’s Irish heritage, The Dubliner may be the spot for you. They have a World Cup schedule on their website as well, so it could be a place to eat and catch some of the tournament action.

Sweet Cheeks Q. Boston may not be known for its barbecue, but Sweet Cheeks’ Texas-style BBQ is quite good. Their biscuits and honey butter are particularly good, so swing by if you’re in the Fenway area.

Regina Pizzeria. “Boston’s Original Pizzeria” has been around for 100 years. If you’re looking for a good slice, there’s no better place to grab one.

Mike’s Pastry. If dessert is your speed, Mike’s has some of the best cannoli in town.

What else to do in Boston

The World Cup games may be in Foxborough, but there is plenty to do in Boston. There are plenty of attractions for history buffs and sports fans alike on non-match days.

Here are a few options for things to do around Boston during your stay:

The Freedom Trail. If you’re an history buff, there’s no better way to explore the city of Boston’s role in the American Revolution than the Freedom Trail. The 2.5-mile trail takes you on a tour of some of the city’s most notable historical sites including museums, churches, meeting houses and burying grounds. Schedule a tour or do a self-guided one across the clearly-marked trail.

Boston Duck Tours. Ever see the Duck Boats during a Boston sports parade and thought, “Man, I’d really like to ride on one of those.” Now is your chance! The unique tour allows its participants to see Boston both by land and by sea without ever leaving the comfort of the Duck Boat.

Fenway Park. MLB’s oldest stadium opened in 1912 and is still home to the Boston Red Sox. The ballpark’s one-of-a-kind dimensions make watching a game there a great deal of fun, while the historic charm of the stadium will connect you to a century’s worth of baseball history. Even if the Sox aren’t in town, you can schedule a tour of the ballpark to learn more about the stadium and baseball in the city of Boston.

Sam Adams Brewery. Boston’s most famous locally brewed beer was founded in 1984 and named after one of the country’s founding fathers, Samuel Adams. The brewery offers tours and a taste of some of their most famous flavors, including Boston Lager and their summertime staple Porch Rocker, and perhaps a lesson about who is actually on the Sam Adams bottle (it is not Samuel Adams!).

Boston Public Garden and Boston Common. If you’re looking to soak up some summertime sun, head over to the Boston Public Garden and Boston Common. Go for a ride on the Swan Boats and if your little ones get hot, send them to cool off in the spray pool at the Frog Pond.