MBTA Breaks World Cup Train Ticket Sales Records on First Day

Over 17,000 tickets sold, nearing $1.4 million in revenue, for trains to Gillette Stadium matches

Apr. 9, 2026 at 10:10pm

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An abstract, expressionist painting in neon colors depicting the frenetic energy of a crowded train platform, with passengers rushing to board trains headed to a World Cup match.The MBTA's record-breaking World Cup train ticket sales reflect the immense popularity of the global soccer tournament and the agency's efforts to provide reliable transportation for millions of fans.Boston Today

The MBTA announced that ticket sales for trains to World Cup matches at Gillette Stadium, renamed Boston Stadium for the tournament, broke all previous special event train ticket sales records on their first day available. The transit agency sold over 17,450 special event Commuter Rail tickets for the first five matches, generating nearly $1.4 million in revenue.

Why it matters

The unprecedented demand for World Cup train tickets highlights the massive influx of international visitors expected in Massachusetts for the tournament, with officials stating they anticipate over 2 million fans. The MBTA is working to provide an 'unprecedented amount of service' to transport the large crowds to and from the matches.

The details

The Boston Stadium Train mTickets allow visitors to travel between South Station and Foxboro for matches, as well as unlimited travel across the entire Commuter Rail network on match days. Tickets for the first five matches remain on sale for $80, with passes for later rounds to be available closer to the match dates. The MBTA is selling 20,000 tickets per match and has upgraded Foxboro Station to meet the expected demand.

  • Ticket sales for the first five World Cup matches opened on April 9, 2026.
  • The Haiti vs. Scotland match on June 13 set a record for the most special event train tickets sold to a single Gillette Stadium event, with over 6,200 tickets.

The players

Phillip Eng

MBTA General Manager who stated the 'tremendous demand' during the first day of ticket sales demonstrates the need for the MBTA to provide unprecedented train service to transport World Cup fans.

Gillette Stadium

The stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts that will be renamed Boston Stadium for the 2026 World Cup and host seven matches between June 13 and July 9.

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What they’re saying

“The 2026 World Cup is no ordinary event, and we are privileged to have the opportunity to welcome all to experience Massachusetts. The tremendous demand during the first day of Boston Stadium Train ticket sales demonstrates that we needed to think outside the box to safely deliver unprecedented train service, carrying fans both near and far to the World Cup matches.”

— Phillip Eng, MBTA General Manager

What’s next

The MBTA stated they plan to run an 'unprecedented amount of service for the World Cup', including additional customer service and operations staff, later bus and subway service, and other adjustments to support the massive demand.

The takeaway

The record-breaking World Cup train ticket sales on the first day highlight the immense popularity of the event and the MBTA's efforts to provide reliable, affordable, and accessible transportation options for the millions of international visitors expected in Massachusetts. This demonstrates the transit agency's ability to adapt and scale its services to meet the needs of major events.