BOSTON IS READY TO HOST THE 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP™

who we are

the city and the people

Boston is headquarters to many national and international companies with a history of supporting major local events. We are committed to developing superior fan experiences and impactful platforms for FIFA’s exclusive commercial stakeholders.

Boston is globally recognized for its commitment to sustainability and leadership in climate action and is an active member of the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, a network of the world’s mega-cities committed to addressing climate change. In addition, Massachusetts, a national leader in recycling, is one of 10 states to have adopted a Beverage Container Recovery Law.

Boston will take our long-standing passion for and support of soccer and make the 2026 FIFA World Cup a catalyst for the future growth of the beautiful game in our region. The World Cup™ would UNITE our city and our diverse international community in a celebration of inclusion, equity, philanthropy and sport. Hosting the 2026 Fifa World Cup™ would propel soccer to new levels in the most influential sports region in the United States.

Gillette Stadium, located in the Boston suburb of Foxborough, Massachusetts, is the largest and newest outdoor sporting arena in the six-state New England region. The stadium’s distinguishing architectural features include a lighthouse and bridge at its north end, reflecting the coastal heritage of the region.

The state-of-the-art stadium has a capacity of 64,628, and every seat is angled toward midfield. The stadium features more than 6,000 premium seats and has 92 luxury suites ranging in size from 75 to 260 m².

While the stadium has Field Turf’s Monofilament system with FIFA 2-Star certification installed since November 2006, a natural grass pitch has been installed each summer for larger football events. The stadium also features multiple grass practice pitches and a 7,400m² indoor Field Turf practice facility, which can also be utilized as hospitality space on match days.

Since its completion in 2002, Gillette Stadium has been the home of the New England Revolution (Major League Football) and the New England Patriots (National Football League), hosting more than 150 MLS or international football matches. In addition to major sporting events, the stadium has hosted nearly 100 world-class concerts, including Taylor Swift, Kenny Chesney, U2, the Rolling Stones, Elton John & Billy Joel, Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen, Metallica, Beyonc and Jimmy Buffett, and unique events such as an address by His Holiness, The Dalai Lama in May 2009.

The stadium (along with its predecessor Foxboro Stadium) have played host to a multitude of important international soccer competitions including the 1994 FIFA Men’s World Cup, the 1999 and 2003 FIFA Women’s World Cups, the 2016 Copa America Centenario, the 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2015 and 2022 CONCACAF Gold Cups as well as numerous FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, International and Club friendlies.

New England has  a historic and lucrative sports background. In 1862, the first soccer club established anywhere outside of England was Boston’s Oneida Football Club. In 1894, the first soccer league in the U.S. included the Boston Beaneaters. The New England Revolution was a founding MLS team in 1996 and has now celebrated over 25 seasons.

Boston is no stranger to hosting the FIFA World Cup.  In 1994, Boston hosted the FIFA Men’s World Cup and in 1999 &  2003, Boston hosted the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Boston is one of the few sites in the world to host 3 FIFA World Cup events.

Massachusetts does not shy away from loving the sport of soccer.  Ranked 4th in the U.S. among youths, Massachusetts has over 167,000 registered youth soccer plays in the state. There are over 20,000 registered adult soccer players.  International Men’s and Women’s friendly matches have happened in Massachusetts, including visits from Brazil, Portugal, Mexico, Spain and many others. There has also been international club friendly matches  including Barcelona, Manchester United, Chelsea, Juventus, AC Milan, Inter Milan, Benfica and many other teams.

"Boston’s vision is to elevate the World Cup experience for athletes, fans, visitors, and residents by creating an environment that is welcoming, inclusive, and memorable for all."

Michelle Wu
Mayor of Boston

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SOCCER IN NEW ENGLAND

A RICH TRADITION

1994 FIFA Men’s World Cup™ (June-July 1994)

European powerhouses Spain and Italy played a Quarterfinals contest in front of 53,400 fans on July 9, 1994.

1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup™ (June-July 1999)

The Women’s National Team played in front 50,484 at Foxboro Stadium with a 3-0 win over North Korea on June 27, 1999.

2002 FIFA Men’s World Cup™ Qualifying USA vs. Jamaica (Oct. 7, 2001)

Facing a must-win scenario, the U.S. defeated Jamaica, 2-1, to clinch its World Cup™ berth.

2002 MLS Cup: New England Revolution vs. LA Galaxy (Oct. 20, 2002)

The hometown New England Revolution faced the LA Galaxy on Oct. 20, 2002, with an audience of 61,316.

2003 FIFA Women’s World Cup™ (Sept.-Oct. 2003)

More than 25,000 fans attended the Americans’ 1-0 victory against Norway and Sweden overcame Brazil to win 2-1.

USA vs. Spain (June 4, 2011)

The Spain National Team visited Foxborough for a 4-0 win in a friendly match with the United States Men’s National Team in front of 64,121 fans.

Portugal vs. Mexico (June 6, 2014)

On June 6, 2014, soccer giants Mexico and Portugal faced off at Gillette Stadium in an international friendly.

Copa America Centenario (June 2016)

In Foxborough on June 10, Chile defeated Bolivia, 2-1. Two days later, Peru defeated Brazil, 1-0, on June 12. Argentina defeated Venezuela, 4-1.

Final Whistle on Hate - Revolution vs. Chelsea FC (May 15, 2019)

Chelsea FC faced the New England Revolution on May 15, 2019 in the “Final Whistle on Hate” charity match at Gillette Stadium in front of a crowd of more than 27,000 spectators.

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"As a city that people from all over the world call home, we are thrilled by the prospect of being a host city for the 2026 World Cup and celebrating the beautiful game with athletes and fans."

Michelle Wu
Mayor of Boston