World Cup Massachusetts became part of soccer history in 2026 when seven FIFA World Cup matches were played at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough. The Massachusetts schedule included five group-stage matches, one Round of 32 match and one quarterfinal.
Although the stadium is located in Foxborough, Massachusetts, it was known as Boston Stadium during the 2026 World Cup. Fans from around the world traveled to Massachusetts to watch international teams compete, while Boston hosted major World Cup celebrations of its own.
This complete World Cup Massachusetts guide looks back at the matches, teams, results, Gillette Stadium, transportation, Boston celebrations and the lasting impact of the tournament on Greater Boston and Massachusetts.
World Cup Massachusetts 2026: Quick Facts
- Massachusetts matches: 7
- Venue: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
- Tournament venue name: Boston Stadium
- Group-stage matches: 5
- Round of 32 matches: 1
- Quarterfinal matches: 1
- First Massachusetts match: June 13, 2026
- Final Massachusetts match: July 9, 2026
Where Were the World Cup Matches Played in Massachusetts?
All seven World Cup Massachusetts matches were played at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough. During the tournament, the venue was referred to as Boston Stadium.
This distinction is important because Gillette Stadium is not located within the City of Boston. Foxborough is south of Boston, so visitors staying in downtown Boston had to travel outside the city to attend matches.
Boston 26 advised World Cup visitors that road travel from downtown Boston to the stadium could take approximately 60 to 90 minutes under normal event conditions and potentially longer depending on traffic.
All 7 World Cup Massachusetts Matches and Results
The Massachusetts schedule brought national teams from Europe, Africa, the Caribbean and the Middle East to Foxborough. Here are all seven matches and their final results.
Haiti vs Scotland – June 13, 2026
The first World Cup match in Massachusetts featured Haiti and Scotland in Group C on June 13, 2026. Scotland defeated Haiti 1–0.
Iraq vs Norway – June 16, 2026
Iraq faced Norway in Group I on June 16. Norway recorded a 4–1 victory in the second World Cup match played in Foxborough.
Scotland vs Morocco – June 19, 2026
Scotland returned to Boston Stadium on June 19 to face Morocco in Group C. Morocco won the match 1–0.
England vs Ghana – June 23, 2026
England and Ghana met in Group L on June 23. The match finished in a 0–0 draw.
Norway vs France – June 26, 2026
Norway returned to Foxborough for a Group I matchup against France on June 26. France won 4–1.
Germany vs Paraguay – June 29, 2026
Massachusetts hosted its first knockout-stage match on June 29 when Germany faced Paraguay in the Round of 32.
The match finished 1–1 before Paraguay advanced by winning the penalty shootout 4–3.
France vs Morocco Quarterfinal – July 9, 2026
The final World Cup Massachusetts match was also the biggest knockout match hosted in the state. France faced Morocco in a quarterfinal at Boston Stadium on July 9, 2026.
France defeated Morocco 2–0, bringing Massachusetts’ seven-match World Cup schedule to an end.
World Cup Massachusetts 2026 Results
| Date | Stage | Match | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 13, 2026 | Group C | Haiti vs Scotland | 0–1 |
| June 16, 2026 | Group I | Iraq vs Norway | 1–4 |
| June 19, 2026 | Group C | Scotland vs Morocco | 0–1 |
| June 23, 2026 | Group L | England vs Ghana | 0–0 |
| June 26, 2026 | Group I | Norway vs France | 1–4 |
| June 29, 2026 | Round of 32 | Germany vs Paraguay | 1–1; Paraguay won 4–3 on penalties |
| July 9, 2026 | Quarterfinal | France vs Morocco | 2–0 |
Why Was Gillette Stadium Called Boston Stadium?
People researching the 2026 World Cup may see the Massachusetts venue listed as Boston Stadium instead of Gillette Stadium.
Boston Stadium was the tournament name used for Gillette Stadium in Foxborough. Therefore, references to World Cup matches at Boston Stadium refer to the games played at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts.
This also explains why Boston was identified as the host city even though the match venue itself was located in Foxborough.
Boston FIFA Fan Festival
The World Cup experience extended beyond Foxborough into downtown Boston. The official FIFA Fan Festival Boston was held at Boston City Hall Plaza during the tournament.
The festival allowed people without stadium tickets to experience the tournament atmosphere, watch matches and celebrate with soccer supporters from around the world.
According to Boston 26, more than 155,000 fans representing more than 108 countries attended the Boston festival, where dozens of tournament matches were shown live.
Getting From Boston to Gillette Stadium
Transportation was an important consideration during the World Cup because the stadium was in Foxborough rather than downtown Boston.
Special transportation options were provided during the tournament, including dedicated rail service between Boston and Foxboro Station near Gillette Stadium.
Those services were part of the 2026 tournament transportation plan. Anyone traveling to a future event at Gillette Stadium should check current MBTA and stadium transportation information because schedules and services can change.
Was the World Cup Played in Boston or Foxborough?
Technically, the Massachusetts World Cup matches were played in Foxborough, not within Boston city limits.
Gillette Stadium served as the match venue under the tournament name Boston Stadium. Boston was the designated host city and hosted supporting activities, including the FIFA Fan Festival at City Hall Plaza.
Why the 2026 World Cup Was Historic for Massachusetts
Hosting seven matches gave Massachusetts a significant role in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The state did not host only early group-stage games. Foxborough remained part of the competition through the knockout rounds and ultimately hosted a quarterfinal.
The tournament also connected Foxborough and Boston through international tourism, fan celebrations and transportation. Visitors from around the world traveled throughout Greater Boston while local residents experienced one of international soccer’s biggest tournaments close to home.
More Major Sporting Events in Massachusetts
Massachusetts is home to many major sporting events. One of the most famous is the Boston Marathon. Read our complete guide to when the Boston Marathon takes place, including upcoming dates, route information and details for runners, visitors and spectators.
Official World Cup Boston Information
For historical information about Boston’s role as a 2026 host city and the Massachusetts match schedule, visit the Boston 26 match schedule.
You can also find tournament information through the official FIFA World Cup website.
Frequently Asked Questions About World Cup Massachusetts
How many World Cup matches were played in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts hosted seven FIFA World Cup matches in 2026: five group-stage matches, one Round of 32 match and one quarterfinal.
Where were the Massachusetts World Cup matches played?
All seven matches were played at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. During the tournament, the venue was known as Boston Stadium.
Was the World Cup played in Boston?
The designated Boston host-city matches were played at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough. Boston itself hosted World Cup activities, including the FIFA Fan Festival at City Hall Plaza.
Which teams played World Cup matches in Massachusetts?
Teams that appeared in Massachusetts included Haiti, Scotland, Iraq, Norway, Morocco, England, Ghana, France, Germany and Paraguay. Several teams appeared at the venue more than once.
Did England play in Massachusetts?
Yes. England played Ghana at Boston Stadium in Foxborough on June 23, 2026. The Group L match finished in a 0–0 draw.
Did France play in Massachusetts?
Yes. France played twice in Foxborough. France defeated Norway 4–1 during the group stage and later defeated Morocco 2–0 in the quarterfinal.
Did the United States play a World Cup match in Massachusetts?
No. The United States did not play one of the seven World Cup matches hosted in Massachusetts in 2026.
When was the final World Cup match in Massachusetts?
The final Massachusetts match was the France vs Morocco quarterfinal on July 9, 2026. France won the match 2–0.
World Cup Massachusetts 2026 Legacy
World Cup Massachusetts was more than a short series of soccer matches. From the opening Haiti vs Scotland game on June 13 through the France vs Morocco quarterfinal on July 9, Foxborough became part of the history of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
At the same time, downtown Boston welcomed soccer supporters through its Fan Festival and other activities, spreading the World Cup experience beyond the stadium.
The seven matches remain part of Massachusetts sporting history and another chapter in Greater Boston’s long connection with major national and international sporting events.