MBTA Launches World Cup Rail Service to Foxborough

MBTA to run special trains from South Station to Gillette Stadium for seven World Cup matches

MBTA Adds World Cup Trains to Gillette Stadium

Massachusetts transit riders heading to World Cup matches at Gillette Stadium will have direct rail service from downtown Boston. The MBTA will run special Boston Stadium Trains from South Station directly to Foxborough for seven matches between June 13 and July 9, 2026, MassDOT officials said. Tickets will be available only through the mTicket app for passengers holding World Cup match tickets.

Transit Push Amid Parking Restrictions

MassDOT is encouraging travelers to use public transportation through its "Kick the Drive" campaign due to expected heavy traffic and limited parking at the venue. Parking at Gillette Stadium will be by pre-paid reservation only and restricted to match ticket holders, officials confirmed. The transit push comes as matches will primarily take place in the afternoon, overlapping with evening commute hours and causing significant traffic disruptions. Officials recommend arriving 2-4 hours early to avoid congestion.

Seven Matches Over Four-Week Period

Gillette Stadium in Foxborough will host seven World Cup matches during the tournament, with games scheduled throughout June and July 2026. The special train service will operate for each match day, providing direct connections between Boston's South Station and the stadium. Officials haven't released specific departure times or frequency details for the Stadium Trains. The MBTA typically adjusts commuter rail schedules for major events at Gillette Stadium, which has hosted international soccer matches and other large-scale events in the past.

Security Funding and Implementation Timeline

FEMA announced $46 million in federal funding for stadium security, resolving a dispute between Foxborough officials and the Kraft Group over $7.8 million in security costs that had delayed event permits. The Kraft Group committed to a reimbursement plan as part of the resolution. Officials said they're following safety guidelines for the international event, though specific security protocols weren't detailed.

What Riders Need to Know

Passengers must hold valid World Cup match tickets to purchase Stadium Train tickets through the mTicket app. Officials recommend using public transit and arriving 2-4 hours before kickoff to navigate crowds and security screening. The afternoon match schedule means significant traffic is expected during typical evening commute hours. Moovit provides real-time updates and trip planning for MBTA services, including commuter rail connections to South Station from throughout the Boston area.