By Tiffany Williams –
BOSTON — Massachusetts officials said the state is continuing preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, outlining efforts across transportation, public safety, public health, emergency management and economic development as seven matches are scheduled to be played at Boston Stadium.
Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll joined state and local officials to provide updates on planning efforts being coordinated through Match Ready Massachusetts, an initiative bringing together state agencies and local, federal and private-sector partners ahead of the tournament.
The World Cup is expected to bring hundreds of thousands of visitors to the region while drawing millions of viewers worldwide.
“Massachusetts is ready to welcome the world,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Teams across state government, alongside our local, federal and private-sector partners, have been working together to make sure people from around the globe experience a safe, successful and memorable World Cup. From transportation and public safety to public health and emergency preparedness, we’re preparing every aspect of the visitor experience and showcasing what Massachusetts does best.”
“Hosting seven games of the World Cup is an extraordinary opportunity for Massachusetts,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This tournament will bring visitors to communities across our state, support local businesses and showcase everything that makes Massachusetts a great place to live, work and visit. We’re focused on making sure every aspect of the experience is safe, seamless and welcoming while creating benefits that will last long after the final match is played.”
Officials said public safety planning has become one of the largest coordinated preparedness efforts ever undertaken in Massachusetts.
According to state officials, the planning structure includes 14 specialized groups focused on areas including communications, tactical operations, intelligence and investigations, transportation network security, public information, health and medical services, emergency management, Fan Festival planning, team movements and stadium operations.
“What distinguishes World Cup preparation in Massachusetts is the strength of the partnerships behind it,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Gina Kwon. “No single agency or community can prepare for an event of this scale alone. This effort has brought people together around a shared commitment to keeping people safe, supporting the public safety personnel who will carry out this work, and meeting this moment with the collaborative spirit that defines Massachusetts. With important work still ahead and real operational demands in the coming weeks, the trust and coordination built across this partnership have prepared Massachusetts to welcome the world safely.”
State officials said that, at the request of the Foxborough Police Department, up to 85 members of the Massachusetts National Guard have been activated on State Active Duty to provide limited operational support at Boston Stadium during the World Cup period.
Guard personnel are expected to support fixed security posts around the perimeter, entrance gates and access-control locations.
Officials also highlighted public awareness efforts related to emergency alerts, suspicious activity reporting, drone restrictions, crowd safety, health preparedness, scam prevention and proper use of 9-1-1 services.
Transportation planning is also underway as officials anticipate significant travel demand surrounding the seven matches.
“As we prepare to welcome the world to Massachusetts for the World Cup, we encourage the general public to plan ahead, allow extra travel time for commutes, and take public transit for those traveling to the games, Fan Festival and other local event celebrations. MassDOT and the MBTA are working alongside our municipalities, public safety agencies, and regional transportation providers, coordinating operations to ensure residents and visitors can travel efficiently throughout the state. These efforts reflect the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s commitment to showcasing Massachusetts on the global stage and ensuring we make this a safe and enjoyable experience for all,” said Interim Secretary of Massachusetts & MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng.
MassDOT officials said wayfinding signs using international symbols have been installed along major routes leading to the stadium, including Interstate 95, Interstate 495 and Route 1.
Officials said additional digital message boards, tow trucks, portable traffic cameras and operational resources will be deployed on match days.
The agency is also encouraging travelers to use its Mass511 traffic application, which now includes World Cup-specific travel information.
The MBTA announced plans to operate dedicated commuter rail service between South Station and Boston Stadium on all seven match days.
According to officials, 14 express trains will operate on match days, with roundtrip tickets priced at $80 and available through the mTicket application.
Additional station staff, extended subway service and limited shuttle bus service are also planned to accommodate fans traveling to and from matches.
Public health officials said planning has been ongoing for more than a year.
“We are ready to keep people healthy and safe while they celebrate, cheer, and enjoy our beautiful Commonwealth,” said Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD. “The work of the Department of Public Health is constant, coordinated, and deeply focused on prevention. Our wide-ranging efforts include enhanced monitoring for infectious disease, increasing awareness of extreme heat and ways to avoid heat-related illness, and strengthening healthcare readiness and emergency response systems, just to name a few.”
Officials said multilingual health guidance is being made available to visitors and residents, including information about heat safety, food safety, infectious disease prevention and accessing medical care.
State leaders also emphasized the economic opportunity presented by the tournament.
“The World Cup is a rare opportunity to showcase Massachusetts to a truly global audience,” said Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley. “Millions of people around the world will be introduced to our communities, businesses, institutions and innovation economy. We’re focused on making the most of that moment by supporting visitors, highlighting what makes Massachusetts unique and creating opportunities that strengthen our economy long after the tournament ends.”
Officials said the tournament is expected to attract international visitors, media organizations, business leaders and government delegations while highlighting Massachusetts industries including life sciences, artificial intelligence, climatetech, advanced manufacturing and defense.
Tourism initiatives supported by the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism include more than $10 million in grants for fan events, public safety efforts and regional activations.
Separately, Healey announced that 1,104 free World Cup tickets hosted in Massachusetts will be distributed to young people through Boys & Girls Clubs, the Department of Children and Families and community organizations across the state.
The tickets are being donated by Airbnb.
“The World Cup is coming to Massachusetts, and we want young people from every corner of our state to have the chance to be part of it,” said Governor Maura Healey. “These tickets will help make sure that kids who otherwise may never have the opportunity to attend a match can experience the excitement of the world’s biggest sporting event. We want to spread that opportunity as widely as possible, create memories that will last a lifetime and inspire children across the state to dream big and chase their goals.”
“We’re working to make sure the benefits of hosting the World Cup reach communities across Massachusetts,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “By providing free tickets to young people, we’re opening the door for more families to experience the excitement of the world’s biggest sporting event and be part of a moment that will bring people together from around the globe.”
According to the administration, 704 tickets will be distributed through the Massachusetts Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs, with additional tickets allocated through community organizations and programs serving youth involved with the Department of Children and Families.
Massachusetts is scheduled to host seven World Cup matches in 2026 as part of the tournament being held across North America.