MBTA to Test World Cup Transit Plan With Soccer Fans at Gillette Stadium

The MBTA has announced that it will test a World Cup transit plan this month by moving tens of thousands of soccer fans between South Station and Foxborough during a FIFA-friendly match at Gillette Stadium on March 26.

The plan includes practicing equipment "recycling" to maximize capacity and ensure stadium areas are cleared within three hours after matches, as required by FIFA, and operating four dedicated trains for the friendly match.

To accommodate an expanded security perimeter, space for transportation providers, and hospitality space, the stadium's parking lot will be limited for this year's FIFA World Cup games.

According to a NewsCenter 5 report, Erika Mazza, the MBTA's chief enterprise development officer, said the transportation agency has committed to transporting up to 20,000 fans from South Station to Foxborough.

Chief Operating Officer Ryan Coholan explained that the MBTA aims to operate 14 commuter rail train sets for each match during the FIFA World Cup matches. They include two spare sets for resiliency, along with direct service between South Station and Foxborough. Coholan said these trains will not make intermediate stops, a switch from typical Patriots game service, to reduce uncertainty and improve boarding and unloading times.

Both Mazza and Coholan also pointed to the MBTA's renovations of Foxborough station. These renovations will create an 800-foot elevated, ADA-compliant level-boarding platform intended to reduce loading times and eliminate stairs for passengers.

A December 2025 letter from the state Assistant Attorney General, Justin Polk, to MBTA officials noted a bid-law issue regarding Foxborough station improvements. Still, no legal action is expected, according to NewsCenter 5.