Boston officials rejoiced Monday as they reported FIFA’s decision to host seven 2026 World Cup games at Gillette Stadium, touting a likely boost to the city’s economy.
Getting the chance to host seven matches for the 2026 World Cup was more than expected and offers a much-needed shot in the arm to the city’s economy, Boston officials said Monday.
FIFA made the announcement Sunday, allocating the opener of the 39-day tournament to Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca and the finale to the home of the NFL’s New York Jets and Giants. Among the seven matches that will be played at Gillette Stadium in the Boston suburb of Foxborough will be five group stage matches, one match in the round of 32 and a quarterfinal match on July 9, 2026.
Mike Loynd, president of Boston Soccer 26, acknowledged organizers were projecting about five or six matches and no quarterfinal, meaning the final schedule «is a great economic benefit.»
«The later in the tournament, the more eyeballs,» he said. «For us, it’s just a matter of excitement … For us, it’s a perfect schedule. I don’t think FIFA could have done a better job.»
Martha Sheridan, president & CEO of Meet Boston, said «nothing compares» to hosting World Cup matches.
