Boston, September 10, 2025
News Summary
Boston has been selected as one of the cities to host matches during the upcoming FIFA World Cup, including a quarterfinal. The matches are set to take place at Gillette Stadium, with ticket presales for Visa cardholders beginning in September. Fans can expect a range of ticket prices and must create a FIFA ID to participate in the presale lottery. Volunteers are also being sought to assist with event operations during the tournament.
Boston — The city will host seven matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including a quarterfinal and several group-stage games, with matches scheduled at Gillette Stadium between June 13, 2026 and July 9, 2026. Ticket presales for Visa cardholders open on September 10, 2025 at 11 a.m. and close on September 19, 2025 at 11 a.m., with lottery winners notified by email on September 29, 2025 and assigned a specific purchase date and time slot.
Key details and ticketing
Boston is one of 16 host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. All Boston matches will be played at Gillette Stadium, also referred to as Boston Stadium, which holds nearly 65,000 spectators. Ticket prices for the tournament vary widely, with general ranges from approximately $60 up to $6,730 for the final match. For Boston’s opening match, prices are expected to average around $630.
Visa cardholders who wish to participate in the FIFA presale must create a FIFA ID and enter a lottery for the chance to purchase tickets during the presale window. Winners of the presale lottery will receive an email notification on September 29, 2025, that includes their assigned date and time slot to complete purchases. Secondary-market platforms such as StubHub will also offer tickets, but those listings may not carry FIFA authentication and may be sold at prices higher than face value.
Match schedule and qualification status
The exact matchups for the Boston games will be determined after the World Cup Final Draw, which is scheduled to take place later in the selection year. The overall tournament begins in June 2026; Boston’s matches run from June 13 through July 9. The three host nations — the United States, Canada, and Mexico — have automatic berths in the tournament. Several other teams have already qualified, including Japan, New Zealand, Iran, Argentina, Australia, Uzbekistan, Jordan, Korea Republic, Ecuador, and Brazil. Additional qualification matches and the Final Draw will determine the remaining participants and specific pairings for each host city.
Venue background and event readiness
Gillette Stadium has a history of hosting large-scale sporting and entertainment events, including regular-season games for the New England Patriots and major concerts. The stadium previously hosted matches during the 1994 FIFA World Cup. Its existing infrastructure and experience with high-capacity events make it a selected venue for the 2026 tournament matches assigned to Boston.
Volunteer program and local participation
Boston’s local Host Committee is recruiting thousands of volunteers for roles before and during the tournament. The volunteer period spans June 11, 2026 through July 19, 2026. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and be available for a minimum of eight shifts during the event window. Volunteer roles will include operations, guest services, transportation assistance, venue support, and other logistical functions necessary for staging the matches.
Security and ticket verification
FIFA-authenticated tickets issued through official channels will carry validation measures required for stadium entry. Fans purchasing from secondary markets should be aware that third-party tickets may not include the same authentication and could carry higher resale prices. Prospective attendees are advised to follow official ticketing timelines and procedures to secure validated seats.
What comes next
With host-city allocations set, organizers and local officials will continue preparations for infrastructure, transportation plans, and volunteer onboarding. The Final Draw later in the fall will finalize group assignments and identify which national teams will play in Boston. As more details are released, ticket buyers and volunteers will receive additional logistical and scheduling information.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Boston host World Cup matches?
Matches in Boston are scheduled from June 13, 2026, to July 9, 2026, with a total of seven matches including a quarterfinal.
Where will the Boston matches be played?
All Boston matches will be played at Gillette Stadium, which has a capacity of nearly 65,000.
How can I buy tickets during the presale?
Visa cardholders must create a FIFA ID and enter the presale lottery between September 10 and September 19, 2025. Lottery winners will be notified on September 29, 2025, and given a specific purchase time slot.
How much do tickets cost?
Ticket prices vary widely across matches. General ranges are about $60 up to $6,730 for the final. Boston’s first match is expected to have tickets around $630.
Can I buy tickets from resale sites?
Tickets are available on secondary markets like StubHub, but those tickets may not be officially authenticated by FIFA and could sell for more than face value.
Are volunteers needed?
Yes. Boston’s Host Committee is seeking thousands of volunteers for June 11 to July 19, 2026. Volunteers must be at least 18 and available for eight shifts.
Quick reference table
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Host city | Boston |
| Venue | Gillette Stadium (Boston Stadium) |
| Stadium capacity | Nearly 65,000 |
| Number of matches in Boston | 7 (includes quarterfinal and group-stage games) |
| Match dates in Boston | June 13, 2026 – July 9, 2026 |
| Volunteer period | June 11, 2026 – July 19, 2026 (minimum 8 shifts; 18+) |
| Visa presale window | September 10, 2025, 11 a.m. – September 19, 2025, 11 a.m. |
| Presale entry requirement | Create FIFA ID and enter lottery |
| Presale lottery notification | September 29, 2025 (email with purchase slot) |
| Ticket price range | Approximately $60 – $6,730 (final); Boston first match ~ $630 |
| Already qualified teams (examples) | Japan, New Zealand, Iran, Argentina, Australia, Uzbekistan, Jordan, Korea Republic, Ecuador, Brazil |
| Host nations with automatic bids | USA, Canada, Mexico |
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Additional Resources
- CBS News
- Wikipedia
- NBC Boston
- Google Search: 2026 FIFA World Cup
- Boston 25 News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: FIFA World Cup
- USA Today
- Google News: FIFA World Cup 2026
- Turn to 10
- Telegram
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
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.
