FIFA `26 Schedule Announced as Region Braces for Crowds

Gillette, aka the "Boston Stadium" as it will be known next summer, will stage a total of seven matches from what FIFA calls the biggest-ever World Cup, including one quarter-final.

Boston Stadium will host seven matches from the FIFA World Cup 26™,  including two knockout games in the latter stages of the tournament.

The full match schedule for the biggest-ever FIFA World Cup has now been unveiled, giving the framework for the 104-game tournament featuring 48 teams across 16 host cities in three countries – Canada, Mexico and the United States.

The games are expected to be in the area from June 13 to July 9. The venue will play host to five group-stage games, one Round of 32 fixture and the first quarter-final on Thursday, July 9, 2026.

The Town of Franklin and other local communities and tourism organizations have promised to roll out the red carpet for the global fans expected to descend on the area and businesses in the hospitality sector, in particular, are hoping to see a boost in revenue.

"Today's FIFA match reveal is the next step in building excitement for the world to come to the United States and Foxborough next year," said Franklin Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. "We are only seven months away. It's a great opportunity for all Franklin residents and businesses to welcome the world and showcase the town's incredible family-friendly quality of life, unique history, adn many great hotels, restaurants and businesses," he added. 

MBTA -- A Key Link

With many of the fans expected to trek to the Stadium via public transit, particularly the commuter rail of the Franklin/Foxboro line on weekdays, when many of the matches are scheduled, the MBTA is on the hotseat. But in an interview with Boston 25, T General Manager Phil Eng vowed that the MBTA 'would not be the story' during the FIFA extravaganza.

Rail platforms in Foxboro, have recently undergone a massive $35 million upgrade, allowing more trains to run and improving accessibility for passengers.  Track improvements on the line have also eliminated speed restrictions.

Now, it's a matter of waiting for events to unfold. "We cannot wait to find out what clubs will be in Foxborough," Hellen added.