BOSTON, MA (April 21, 2026) – The Boston Host Committee for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ (Boston 26) today announced its latest plans for the city’s FIFA Fan Festival™, which will be located at Boston City Hall Plaza as part of the city’s official tournament celebrations. The announcement was made during a press conference at Boston City Hall Plaza featuring Mayor Michelle Wu, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, Meet Boston President and CEO Martha Sheridan, Chair of the House Committee on Ways & Means Aaron Michlewitz and Boston 26 leaders.
The FIFA Fan Festival™ Boston will bring football celebration to Boston City Hall Plaza, creating a vibrant fan hub in the heart of the city. The festival will take place over 16 days during the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Group Stage matches, beginning June 12 and running through June 27. The city’s FIFA Fan Festival will operate daily, with programming aligned to match schedules, including live broadcasts of 2-3 matches per day. A full schedule, including daily hours of operation, is available here.
“The World Cup brings diverse communities together to celebrate a universally loved sport, and here in Massachusetts, we want to make sure that everyone has an opportunity to experience the FIFA World Cup the way it’s meant to be watched – together, in their communities, surrounded by people. That’s why we’re excited to announce the details for Boston’s FIFA Fan Festival. For 16 days, City Hall Plaza will be Boston’s hub for FIFA World Cup celebrations, bringing together local businesses, local talent and local vendors to cheer on our favorite teams. We’re grateful for the partnership of the City and Boston 26 to ensure we have a safe and exciting FIFA World Cup and FIFA Fan Festival, and we look forward to continuing to work with other communities across the state to host their own watch parties and celebration,” said Governor Healey.
“As we prepare to welcome fans from around the world to the City of Champions, we are thrilled to bring the excitement and energy of the FIFA World Cup to City Hall Plaza,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “This summer will bring unparalleled opportunities for residents, businesses, and visitors to take part in celebrations across the City. In partnership with Boston 26, we’re building an unforgettable experience that reflects the spirit of our City and the passion of fans worldwide. We look forward to sharing this historic summer with neighbors and visitors alike.”
The FIFA Fan Festival™ Boston will be free and open to the public, with advance registration required.
Designed as a true community celebration, the city’s FIFA Fan Festival™ will showcase the energy, diversity, and creativity of the region. In addition to live match broadcasts, the festival will feature a Cultural Showcase highlighting local artists, musicians, and performers. Additional details on the Cultural Showcase, including a forthcoming call for local talent, will be announced soon.
“Hosting the World Cup is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Massachusetts, especially in a year full of exciting events. The free FIFA Fan Festival on City Hall Plaza will serve as a hub for all of Boston celebrations and be a chance for both local fans and visitors alike to experience the World Cup. Thanks to the collaboration with Boston 26 and the City of Boston, we’ll have 16 days of community celebrations,” said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll.
“The FIFA Fan Festival™ at City Hall Plaza is going to be a major destination draw,” said Meet Boston CEO Martha J. Sheridan. “Travel and tourism partners could not be more excited for what this will mean for Boston – a centrally located space that is perfect for diverse and celebratory gatherings, where our civic and community pride will unite in such a unique way. We look forward to 16 exhilarating days as we welcome the world to Boston.”
Planning for FIFA Fan Festival™ Boston is being carried out in close coordination with the City of Boston, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, transportation authorities, and public safety partners, including the Boston Police Department and regional security agencies. These efforts are focused on delivering a safe, accessible, and well-coordinated experience for residents and visitors alike, while supporting efficient movement throughout the city during the tournament.
“The FIFA Fan Festival is taking shape as a true celebration of our community,” said Mike Loynd, president of Boston 26. “With free entry, daily match viewing, and a strong focus on local artists and performers across 16 days, we’re creating a space where Boston’s energy and creativity are on full display. Behind the scenes, we’re continuing to work closely with our public safety, transportation, and government partners to ensure the experience is safe, accessible, and enjoyable for everyone.”
DMSE Sports, an event management company, is supporting planning, build-out, and on-the-ground operations of the FIFA Fan Festival™ at Boston City Hall Plaza in coordination with the City of Boston and state partners.
Additional details for the city’s FIFA Fan Festival™, can be found on the official FIFA World Cup 2026™ website, as well as on Boston 26 website.
The FIFA World Cup 2026™ will be the largest sporting event ever – staged across 16 Host Cities in Canada, Mexico and the United States, and featuring 104 matches. Boston will host seven matches this summer at Boston Stadium in Foxborough.
Boston Match Schedule
- Match 5 – Saturday, 13 June 2026 at 21:00 ET, HAI v. SCO (Group C)
- Match 18 – Tuesday, 16 June 2026 at 18:00 ET, IRQ v. NOR (Group I)
- Match 30 – Friday, 19 June 2026 at 18:00 ET, SCO v. MAR (Group C)
- Match 25 – Tuesday, 23 June 2026 at 16:00 ET, ENG v. GHA (Group L)
- Match 61 – Friday, 26 June 2026 at 15:00 ET, NOR v. FRA (Group I)
- Match 74 – Monday, 29 June 2026 at 16:30 ET, Round of 32
- Match 97 – Thursday, 9 July 2026 at 16:00 ET, Quarter-Final
Governor Maura Healey and Mayor Michelle Wu serve on the Boston 26 Honorary Board, which brings together leaders across the public and private sectors to support planning and delivery of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ in Boston.