MBTA Adds Event Trains for Gillette Stadium Match

MBTA adds four event trains departing every 15 minutes for Brazil-France match at Gillette

MBTA Adds Trains for Brazil-France Match March 27

Soccer fans heading to Gillette Stadium for the Brazil vs. France exhibition match on March 27 will have extra commuter rail service to avoid traffic jams. The MBTA will run four event trains from South Station to Foxborough every 15 minutes starting at 12:45pm, transit officials said. The 4pm kickoff coincides with rush hour, making public transit the fastest option for tens of thousands of expected attendees.

World Cup Test Run

The international friendly serves as a critical test run for transportation officials ahead of World Cup matches at Gillette Stadium in June 2026. Officials will assess traffic impact and transit preparedness during the event, which marks France's first time playing at the venue. Brazil has played there multiple times previously. Massachusetts is home to more than 139,000 Brazilians as of 2022, one of the largest Brazilian immigrant populations in the United States, making this match particularly significant for the region's communities.

Boarding Groups and Schedule

Train ticket holders will be sorted into boarding groups A and B to manage the crowd efficiently. Group A passengers should arrive at South Station by noon, while Group B passengers should arrive by 12:30pm, according to the transit agency. The four event trains will depart every 15 minutes starting at 12:45pm. John Killeen, general manager at Keolis, which operates the commuter rail, described the service as "the quickest and easiest way" to reach the soccer match.

Traffic Concerns Drive Transit Push

Transportation officials strongly recommend taking public transit to avoid spending several hours in traffic, particularly since the match coincides with Greater Boston's evening rush hour. Ticket prices for the nosebleed section start at $227 as of Monday, making the additional cost of parking and potential traffic delays a significant consideration for attendees. Officials haven't specified whether additional return trains will be added after the match concludes.

Planning Your Trip

Fans should purchase commuter rail tickets in advance and plan to arrive at South Station according to their assigned boarding group to ensure smooth departure. The event provides an opportunity for the MBTA to refine its operations before hosting World Cup crowds in June. Moovit provides real-time updates for MBTA commuter rail schedules and platform information to help riders navigate service to Foxborough on game day.