US EditionGillette Stadium gets a World Cup-style test run for trains, fans
The MBTA tested four special nonstop trains shuttling 2,300 fans to Gillette Stadium, preparing to transport nearly 20,000 fans for each of the seven 2026 World Cup matches.
- On Thursday, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority operated four special event trains for the Brazil-France international friendly at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, serving as a critical operational test for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
- Governor Maura Healey launched the 'Match-Ready Massachusetts' safety initiative, backed by $76 million in federal funds, to prepare for seven World Cup matches arriving in 79 days.
- Ryan Coholan, the MBTA's chief operating officer, said the agency ran four nonstop trains between South Station and Foxborough to "work the bugs out," with approximately 2,300 fans utilizing the service.
- Passengers described the experience as "a smooth ride, very slow though," while the transit plan facilitated travel for a crowd of 66,215 at the match France won 2-1.
- Special MBTA schedules for the summer tournament will be announced "in the coming weeks," according to Healey, as officials continue monitoring safety and logistics for the influx of World Cup visitors.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Thousands of Fans Fill Commuter Trains Heading to France vs. Brazil Friendly Match in Foxborough
Approximately 2,600 enthusiastic fans packed commuter rail trains heading to Foxborough on Wednesday, making their way to Gillette Stadium for the highly anticipated friendly match between France and Brazil. The influx of supporters underscored the growing excitement surrounding the international showdown, highlighting the strong local interest in world-class soccer events. Boston 25 News reports on [...]
Everett plans community World Cup watch party with funds received from state
Massachusetts leaders want to ensure that the entire commonwealth benefits from this summer’s World Cup tournament. Seven matches will be held in Foxboro, starting with Haiti vs. Scotland on June 13. Massachusetts is home to a large Haitian population, including in the City of Everett, where city leaders have secured $10,000 in state funding to host a watch party during the games. Mayor Robert Van Campen says those dollars are a critical piece i…
How the MBTA is using Thursday's friendly between Brazil and France as dry run for the World Cup
The MBTA will run four special event trains between Boston and Foxborough for Thursday's friendly between Brazil and France, as it tests out a few new strategies for when the agency has to transport 20,000 people a game during the World Cup.
Thursday soccer match in Foxborough offers high-stakes trial run for MBTA World Cup plan
The World Cup games in Foxborough this summer present an unprecedented logistical test for the MBTA, which plans to transport thousands more fans to each event than it normally does for a New England Patriots game.
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