Economic Boost as FIFA World Cup Matches Come to Foxborough

Foxborough, Massachusetts, September 27, 2025

News Summary

Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, will host seven matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, projected to generate over $800 million for the state and $1 billion for the New England region. The tournament, spanning across multiple host cities, will begin on June 11 and conclude on July 19, with this venue referred to as ‘Boston Stadium.’ Ticket sales will start in phases from September 2025, providing opportunities for local businesses and community organizations to engage and benefit economically.

Foxborough, Massachusetts — Seven matches will be held at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, during the tournament. The economic impact is projected to exceed $800 million for the state and $1 billion for the New England region.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will bring multiple match days and related events to the area. The venue will be referred to as “Boston Stadium” during the tournament. Matches at Gillette Stadium include group stage games on June 13, 16, 19, 23, and 26, a Round of 32 game on June 29, and a quarter-final on July 9, 2026. The World Cup will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, across various host cities in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

Tickets, volunteers and immediate logistics

Tickets for matches at Gillette Stadium will be released in phases, starting with the first application period on September 10, 2025. Volunteers aged 18 and over are being sought to support the World Cup, requiring a commitment of at least eight shifts between June 11 and July 19.

Economic and business opportunities

A Women’s Business Summit, hosted by Bank of America, was held on September 24 to discuss the World Cup’s economic implications. Small businesses can register on the Boston 26 website to leverage potential RFPs (Requests for Proposals) and seek involvement in ancillary events. Martha J. Sheridan, president and CEO of Meet Boston, highlighted opportunities for small and women-owned businesses to participate in World Cup activities. Astrid Sheil, dean of the School of Management at Simmons University, noted the importance of including small businesses in the planning.

Local organizations and community programs

Spoonfuls, a Boston-based food recovery group, collaborates with Gillette Stadium to collect surplus food and distribute meals to those in need. Ashley Stanley, founder and CEO of Spoonfuls, emphasized the event’s potential to unite communities and economies. Wendy Hudson, co-founder of Cisco Brewers, expressed excitement about community engagement and collaboration among local services, including hotels and restaurants. Local organizations are preparing logistical plans and partnerships to handle increased visitor volume and to maximize local hiring and procurement where possible.

What businesses and residents can expect next

Officials and organizers are encouraging small businesses to review registration and procurement portals, to prepare staffing plans for event dates, and to consider partnerships with larger hospitality and service providers. The phased ticket release and volunteer recruitment timetable will shape staffing and community engagement plans well before match days.

Background

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted across multiple countries, with selected matches assigned to several stadiums in the United States. Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, is one of the designated U.S. sites and will host seven matches during the event. The projected economic impact figures cover both the state and the broader New England region and reflect expected spending on travel, lodging, food, retail and event operations tied to the matches at Gillette Stadium.

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Additional Resources

• Rock 92.9: Massachusetts businesses prepare for visitation boost from 2026 FIFA World Cup
• NBC Boston: Boston World Cup 2026 Business
• CBS News: 2026 World Cup Gillette Stadium Tickets
• Wikipedia: 2026 FIFA World Cup
• Encyclopedia Britannica: FIFA World Cup

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