MBTA reports record-breaking train ticket sales for World Cup matches

The train ticket sale record was previously held by the 2023 Taylor Swift concert at Gillette Stadium.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 9:24pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a chaotic train platform with geometric shapes in navy, green, and red representing the rush of soccer fans boarding a train to a World Cup match.The MBTA's unprecedented demand for World Cup train tickets signals the excitement and challenges of hosting the global soccer tournament in Massachusetts.Boston Today

The MBTA announced that more than 17,450 Boston Stadium train tickets were sold on Thursday for the first five World Cup matches hosted in Foxborough, breaking all previous 'special event train service' first-day ticket sale records. Nearly 11,000 round-trip train tickets were sold within the first hour, and as many as 5,000 were purchased within the first 10 minutes.

Why it matters

The high demand for World Cup train tickets demonstrates the massive interest and excitement around hosting the global soccer tournament in Massachusetts. The MBTA will need to provide unprecedented train service to safely transport fans to the matches at Gillette Stadium.

The details

The $80 Boston Stadium train tickets are for the first five World Cup matches in Foxborough. Tickets for the Round 32 and quarterfinal matches will go on sale closer to the match dates. Potential buyers are warned that they cannot purchase a train ticket if the email address provided does not match the same email used to get their game ticket. Express trains from South Station to Gillette Stadium will run until 2 a.m. on weekdays and until 4 a.m. Sunday, June 14, because of late Saturday night matches.

  • On Thursday, more than 17,450 Boston Stadium train tickets were sold.
  • Nearly 11,000 round-trip train tickets were sold within the first hour.
  • As many as 5,000 tickets were purchased within the first 10 minutes.

The players

Phillip Eng

Interim Secretary of Transportation and MBTA General Manager and CEO.

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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.”

— Phillip Eng, Interim Secretary of Transportation and MBTA General Manager and CEO

What’s next

For daily riders with no World Cup plans, commuters should expect temporary schedule adjustments from June 8 to June 12. Those who decide to drive to the stadium on match days will have to pay $149 per car for the first few games and up.

The takeaway

The record-breaking ticket sales for the World Cup train service demonstrate the immense popularity and excitement around hosting the global soccer tournament in Massachusetts. The MBTA will need to provide unprecedented transportation options to safely accommodate the influx of fans attending the matches at Gillette Stadium.