Overview
Boston, the Cradle of Liberty, will be a spectacular host city for FIFA World Cup 2026, featuring 7 matches at the iconic Gillette Stadium in nearby Foxborough. Boston will host 5 group stage matches, 1 Round of 32 match, and 1 quarterfinal match on July 9, 2026, showcasing the city's rich history, passionate sports culture, and world-class facilities. This prestigious tournament will highlight Boston's unique blend of historic landmarks, world-class universities, and vibrant neighborhoods. From the historic Freedom Trail to the legendary Fenway Park, from the prestigious Harvard Square to the charming North End, Boston offers an unparalleled World Cup experience that combines the passion of global football with the charm of New England. With its perfect summer weather, world-class dining scene featuring award-winning restaurants, and passionate sports community, Boston promises unforgettable memories for soccer fans from around the world.
Getting Around
Airport
Boston Logan International (BOS) - 3 miles from downtown
Distance to city center: 15-30 minutes
Public Transport
MBTA subway, buses, commuter rail, enhanced service planned for World Cup
Metro/bus passes available
Ride-Hail
Uber, Lyft available
Convenient for stadium access
Safety & Common Scams
Safety Tips
Very safe with enhanced World Cup security measures. Standard urban awareness recommended.
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Use official transport and licensed taxis
- • Stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night
- • Keep copies of important documents
Quick Facts
Essential Info
- Population: 4.9 million (metro area)
- Airport: Boston Logan International (BOS) - 3 miles from downtown
- Public Transport: MBTA subway, buses, commuter rail, enhanced service planned for World Cup
- Best Time to Visit: June-July 2026 (World Cup period) - perfect weather
Travel Info
- Currency: USD
- Language: English (widely spoken)
- Timezone: EST (UTC-5)
- Safety: Very safe with enhanced World Cup security measures. Standard urban awareness recommended.
Must-See Attractions
Freedom Trail
Historic 2.5-mile walking trail connecting 16 significant historical sites
Fenway Park
Historic baseball stadium and home of the Boston Red Sox since 1912
Harvard Square
University and cultural hub with shops, restaurants, and historic architecture
North End
Historic Italian neighborhood with authentic restaurants and charming streets
Boston Common
America's oldest public park with beautiful gardens and historic monuments
Back Bay
Elegant neighborhood with Victorian brownstones, shopping, and dining
Cambridge
Home to Harvard and MIT with vibrant cultural scene and dining
Boston Harbor
Historic waterfront with harbor cruises, islands, and scenic views
Boston & Gillette Stadium Restaurant Guide
From stadium-area quick bites to world-class Michelin-starred dining, discover the best restaurants for your World Cup 2026 experience in the Cradle of Liberty.
Restaurants Near Gillette Stadium (Foxborough, MA)
Patriot Place Restaurants
Shopping and dining complex with multiple restaurants, bars, and entertainment options
1 Patriot Pl, Foxborough • 0.1 miles from stadium
$15-35 per person
Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse
Upscale Italian steakhouse with premium cuts and extensive wine selection
Patriot Place, Foxborough • 0.2 miles from stadium
$40-80 per person
Red Robin
Casual American dining with burgers, salads, and family-friendly atmosphere
Patriot Place, Foxborough • 0.2 miles from stadium
$12-25 per person
Stadium Area Food Trucks
Diverse food truck options with various cuisines and quick service
Gillette Stadium parking lots • 0.1 miles from stadium
$8-15 per person
Iconic Boston Foods & Where to Get Them
Lobster Roll
Fresh Maine lobster on a buttered roll - Boston's signature seafood dish
Neptune Oyster, Legal Sea Foods, Yankee Lobster
$25-40 per roll
New England Clam Chowder
Creamy white chowder with fresh clams, potatoes, and bacon
Legal Sea Foods, Union Oyster House, The Daily Catch
$12-18 per bowl
Boston Cream Pie
Massachusetts' official state dessert - sponge cake with custard and chocolate glaze
Omni Parker House, Mike's Pastry, Modern Pastry
$8-15 per slice
Italian Cuisine (North End)
Authentic Italian restaurants in Boston's historic Little Italy neighborhood
Galleria Umberto, Regina Pizzeria, The Daily Catch
$15-35 per person
Fine Dining & Award-Winning Restaurants
Neptune Oyster
Award-winning oyster house in North End, renowned for its lobster roll and fresh seafood
63 Salem St, Boston • North End
$50-100 per person
Comfort Kitchen
James Beard Award semifinalist featuring global comfort food with local ingredients
611 Columbia Rd, Boston • Dorchester
$30-60 per person
Somaek
Featured in The New York Times' 2024 list of 50 best restaurants in the U.S.
11 Temple Pl, Boston • Downtown
$40-80 per person
Galleria Umberto
James Beard Foundation "America's Classic" for authentic Sicilian-style pizza
289 Hanover St, Boston • North End
$10-20 per person
Neighborhood Dining Highlights
North End
Neptune Oyster
Award-winning lobster roll and oysters
$50-100 per person
Galleria Umberto
James Beard "America's Classic" pizza
$10-20 per person
Cambridge
Giulia
Handmade pasta and intimate Italian dining
$50-100 per person
Pammy's
Innovative Italian-American fusion
$100+ per person
Back Bay
Legal Sea Foods
Iconic New England seafood chain
$25-50 per person
Union Oyster House
Historic restaurant since 1826
$30-60 per person
Quick & Budget-Friendly Options
Sullivan's Castle Island
James Beard "America's Classic" for hot dogs and fried seafood
$5-15 per person
Food Trucks & Markets
Diverse food truck scene and local markets throughout the city
$8-15 per person
Dining Tips for World Cup Visitors
Reservation Strategy
- • Fine dining: Book 1-2 months ahead
- • Popular spots: Use Resy, OpenTable apps
- • Walk-ins: Try off-peak hours (2-5 PM)
Match Day Dining
- • Pre-game: Eat 2-3 hours before kickoff
- • Stadium area: Book reservations well ahead
- • Post-game: Boston restaurants stay open late
Itineraries
24-Hour Itinerary
- • Morning: City tour and local breakfast
- • Afternoon: Stadium visit and fan zone
- • Evening: Match or local nightlife
48-Hour Itinerary
- • Day 1: Full city exploration and attractions
- • Day 2: Stadium experience and local culture
- • Extended time for relaxation and dining
Matches in this City
7 World Cup Matches
View the complete schedule for Boston
Fan Zones & Watch Parties
Official Fan Zone
Main gathering area for World Cup fans with giant screens and entertainment.
- • Location: City center
- • Hours: Match days + extended hours
- • Features: Food vendors, merchandise, live music
Watch Parties
Local bars and venues showing matches with fan-friendly atmosphere.
- • Sports bars in downtown area
- • Beachfront venues for outdoor viewing
- • Family-friendly options available
World Cup Stadiums
Gillette Stadium
Capacity
65,878 (expandable to 70,000)
Distance from Downtown
25 miles from downtown Boston
Transportation
MBTA commuter rail, shuttle service, ride-sharing
Map
Where to Stay
The Ritz-Carlton Boston
Luxury hotel in Back Bay with elegant architecture and upscale amenities
The Liberty Hotel
Historic boutique hotel in former Charles Street Jail with modern luxury
The Four Seasons Boston
Luxury waterfront hotel with spa services and fine dining
The Langham Boston
Historic luxury hotel with elegant rooms and world-class service
Travel Tips
Getting Around
MBTA subway, buses, commuter rail, enhanced service planned for World Cup is the best way to explore the city. Consider purchasing a day pass for unlimited rides.
Weather
65-80°F (18-27°C) - Pack accordingly and stay hydrated, especially during outdoor activities.
Safety
Very safe with enhanced World Cup security measures. Standard urban awareness recommended. - Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings.
Plan Your Trip
Get detailed travel guides, match schedules, and exclusive fan tips.