Foxborough, Massachusetts, September 25, 2025
News Summary
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is gearing up to take place at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts, which will be known as ‘Boston Stadium’ during the event. Organizers anticipate the tournament will have a substantial economic impact of over $1 billion on New England, with $800 million benefiting Massachusetts. Local officials and the Boston Host Committee are actively recruiting volunteers and preparing businesses to capitalize on the influx of visitors. Meanwhile, ticket sales will begin in phases starting September 2025.
Foxborough
Key details
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to take place in Massachusetts, with seven matches hosted at Gillette Stadium, which will be referred to as “Boston Stadium” during the tournament. The event is forecast to bring a major influx of visitors and economic activity to the region, with organizers and local leaders preparing for increased demand on services and infrastructure.
The World Cup event is projected to generate over $1 billion in economic impact for New England, with $800 million expected to benefit Massachusetts specifically. That projection underpins efforts by tourism officials, business groups and community organizations to coordinate logistics, marketing and workforce planning ahead of the tournament.
The Boston Host Committee is actively recruiting thousands of volunteers for various roles during the tournament, requiring applicants to be at least 18 years old and commit to eight shifts between June 11 and July 19, 2026. Organizers say volunteer roles will span event operations, guest services, hospitality support and neighborhood liaison duties to help manage crowds and assist visitors.
The World Cup matches at Gillette Stadium include group stage games on June 13, 16, 19, 23, and 26, as well as a Round of 32 game on June 29 and a Quarter-final game on July 9. Those dates form the core local schedule around which hotels, transit planners and businesses are shaping staffing and service plans.
Ticket sales for the tournament will be phased, with the first phase of ticket releases starting on September 10, 2025. Phased releases are intended to give residents, visitors and organizations time to plan attendance and travel.
Immediate supporting details
A recent summit in Foxborough focused on how local companies can capture business linked to the World Cup. A Women’s Business Summit was held in Foxborough to discuss the economic implications of the World Cup, highlighting opportunities for local businesses. Summit speakers and panelists summarized potential supplier needs, vendor registration steps and partnership options so that small firms can position themselves for procurement opportunities.
Local business leaders and nonprofit organizers outlined several practical pathways to participate. Wendy Hudson, co-founder of Cisco Brewers, expressed excitement about the World Cup, emphasizing collaboration among local businesses such as hotels and restaurants to maximize engagement. Another local organizer described how sporting events create visibility for civic groups and service providers. Ashley Stanley, founder of the food recovery organization Spoonfuls, noted that sporting events can unify communities and bolster local economies, with nonprofits also poised to gain visibility and support.
Educational and business development leaders encouraged entrepreneurs to seek out application opportunities. Astrid Sheil, dean at Simmons University, mentioned that small businesses can apply for various opportunities related to the World Cup, encouraging women entrepreneurs to seek involvement. Event procurement advisors recommended that firms document capacities, insurance and staffing plans in advance.
Advisory channels have been set up for suppliers and service providers. Martha J. Sheridan, of Meet Boston, advised small businesses to register on the Boston 26 website for potential requests for proposals (RFPs) and to stay informed about associated events. Registration on that platform is being promoted as a primary route to receive official notices about contracting opportunities and community events tied to the tournament.
Community context and concerns
Public sentiment and industry performance before the tournament show mixed signals. A poll indicated that 56% of readers think hosting the World Cup is a good idea for Massachusetts, while 43% expressed concerns related to tourism, traffic and transit challenges. Meanwhile, the hospitality sector experienced difficulties in the summer prior to the tournament. The regional hospitality industry faced challenges during the summer of 2025, leading to lower occupancy rates, but optimism remains for recovery due to upcoming events like the World Cup and Tall Ships.
Business and tourism officials are looking beyond a single event. Business leaders and tourism professionals anticipate an economic rebound in Greater Boston anchored by historic events and festivals in 2026, including the 250th anniversary of the United States. Local firms are adjusting staffing models, expanding vendor lists and coordinating with transit providers to handle peak arrival and departure periods.
Preparations for the influx of tourists and economic activity are underway, as local businesses adjust strategies to capitalize on expected increased visitor numbers. Planning items include workforce recruitment, inventory management, temporary service expansions and outreach to community stakeholders to reduce friction during the concentrated event period.
FAQ
Where will the World Cup matches in Massachusetts be played?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to take place in Massachusetts, with seven matches hosted at Gillette Stadium, which will be referred to as “Boston Stadium” during the tournament.
What is the expected economic impact of the World Cup in the region?
The World Cup event is projected to generate over $1 billion in economic impact for New England, with $800 million expected to benefit Massachusetts specifically.
Were there local events discussing business opportunities tied to the World Cup?
A Women’s Business Summit was held in Foxborough to discuss the economic implications of the World Cup, highlighting opportunities for local businesses.
How can small businesses find contracting opportunities?
Martha J. Sheridan, of Meet Boston, advised small businesses to register on the Boston 26 website for potential requests for proposals (RFPs) and to stay informed about associated events.
Are volunteers being recruited for the tournament?
The Boston Host Committee is actively recruiting thousands of volunteers for various roles during the tournament, requiring applicants to be at least 18 years old and commit to eight shifts between June 11 and July 19, 2026.
What are the match dates at Gillette Stadium?
The World Cup matches at Gillette Stadium include group stage games on June 13, 16, 19, 23, and 26, as well as a Round of 32 game on June 29 and a Quarter-final game on July 9.
When will tickets be released?
Ticket sales for the tournament will be phased, with the first phase of ticket releases starting on September 10, 2025.
How do residents feel about hosting the World Cup?
A poll indicated that 56% of readers think hosting the World Cup is a good idea for Massachusetts, while 43% expressed concerns related to tourism, traffic and transit challenges.
What is the state of the regional hospitality industry ahead of the event?
The regional hospitality industry faced challenges during the summer of 2025, leading to lower occupancy rates, but optimism remains for recovery due to upcoming events like the World Cup and Tall Ships.
Are other major events expected to support economic recovery?
Business leaders and tourism professionals anticipate an economic rebound in Greater Boston anchored by historic events and festivals in 2026, including the 250th anniversary of the United States.
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Quick reference table
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Host city / stadium | Gillette Stadium (referred to as “Boston Stadium” during the tournament) — matches hosted in Foxborough, Massachusetts |
| Number of matches at Gillette Stadium | Seven matches (group stage and knockout rounds) |
| Match dates at Gillette Stadium | June 13, 16, 19, 23, 26; Round of 32 on June 29; Quarter-final on July 9, 2026 |
| Ticket release | Phased sales; first phase of ticket releases starting on September 10, 2025 |
| Economic projection | Over $1 billion for New England; $800 million expected to benefit Massachusetts specifically |
| Volunteer requirements | Applicants must be at least 18 years old and commit to eight shifts between June 11 and July 19, 2026 |
| Business registration | Small businesses advised to register on the Boston 26 website for potential RFPs and event information |
| Public sentiment | 56% view hosting as a good idea for Massachusetts; 43% express concerns about tourism, traffic and transit |
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Additional Resources
- NBC Boston: Boston World Cup 2026 Business
- WCVB: FIFA Seeking World Cup 26 Volunteers in Massachusetts
- CBS News: World Cup 2026 Volunteers
- Travel and Tour World: Greater Boston and Massachusetts Tourism Poised for Growth
- Wikipedia: FIFA World Cup
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BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
