World Cup schedule 2026

🏆 The World Cup Is Here — And It's Close

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is officially underway — the biggest sporting event on the planet has landed in North America for the first time since 1994. This edition is historic: 48 teams, 104 matches, and 16 host cities across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. For Rhode Island soccer fans, world-class football is just 40 minutes away at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA.

Whether you're heading to a match or watching from a local bar, here's everything you need to know.

🔥 Knockout Rounds Update (July 3, 2026)

The group stage is done and the bracket is heating up. Where things stand:

• 🇺🇸 USA advanced! The USMNT beat Bosnia & Herzegovina 2-0 on July 1 (Balogun and Tillman goals) — the Americans'' first World Cup knockout-round win since 2002, and they survived a red card to do it.
• Next USA match: USA vs Belgium — Monday, July 6, 8:00 PM ET (Lumen Field, Seattle) on Fox. It''s a rematch of the 2014 Round of 16, which Belgium won — revenge narrative fully loaded.
• Round of 16 opens July 4: Canada vs Morocco (1 PM ET, Houston) and Paraguay vs France (5 PM ET, Philadelphia) — both screening FREE at the PVD Fan Zone at Station Park in Providence.
• July 5: Brazil vs Norway (4 PM ET, MetLife) and Mexico vs England (Estadio Azteca).
• Also through: Belgium (3-2 over Senegal in extra time), Portugal (2-1 over Croatia — a stoppage-time Gonçalo Ramos winner after a Ronaldo penalty), and Argentina (3-2 over Cape Verde in extra time).
• Quarterfinal at Gillette Stadium: Thursday, July 9 — the closest knockout match to Rhode Island. Tickets are scarce; official FIFA resale is the only safe channel.

For every place to watch in RI — the PVD Fan Zone, the best Providence bars, and how to get to Gillette — see our complete RI World Cup watch guide.

⚽ Gillette Stadium (Boston) — Full Match Schedule

Boston is hosting 7 World Cup matches at Gillette Stadium — five group stage games, a Round of 32, and a Quarterfinal. That's the most of any New England-area venue, and it puts Rhode Islanders in the middle of the action.

🎟️ Getting Tickets

FIFA sells tickets in phases through its official website. For remaining matches:

• Visit FIFA Tickets and create an account
• Group stage tickets typically run $100–$400 per seat
• Knockout round tickets range $250–$800+ depending on demand
• Resale platforms (StubHub, Vivid Seats) have inventory but at premium prices
• The Quarterfinal (July 9) is the last Gillette match — if you go to one game, make it this one

🚗 Getting to Gillette from Rhode Island

Gillette Stadium is located at One Patriot Place, Foxborough, MA — about 40 minutes from Providence via I-95 North.

• Drive: Take I-95 North to Route 1 North, exit at Patriot Place. Budget extra 60–90 minutes on match days for traffic and security
• Parking: Arrive 2–3 hours early. Lots fill fast. Cost: $40–$60 for major events
• Charter bus: Several Providence travel companies are running World Cup shuttles — check Eventbrite and local Facebook groups
• MBTA: Commuter rail runs from South Station (Boston) to Foxborough on select event days — a great option if you're making a full Boston trip of it

🍺 Best Watch Parties in Rhode Island

Can't make it to the stadium? Rhode Island's soccer community has you covered. These spots are your best bets for an electric atmosphere:

Providence

• The Parlour (Westminster St) — Providence's premier soccer bar, multiple screens, always packed for big matches
• Trinity Brewhouse (Fountain St) — craft beer + sports energy, opens early for afternoon kickoffs
• The Dorrance (downtown) — beautiful bar setup, great for group bookings

Newport

• The Fifth Element — known for European football, expect flags and singing
• O'Brien's Pub — lively crowd, big screens

Warwick / South County

• Twin River Casino sports book — massive viewing wall, multiple games simultaneously
• Boston Billiards (Warwick) — pool tables + soccer = great vibe

🌍 The 2026 World Cup at a Glance

🏟️ Other Nearby Venues Worth Considering

If you want more matches, these venues are within a day-trip or weekend trip from Rhode Island:

• MetLife Stadium, NJ (3.5 hours) — hosting 8 matches including the Final on July 19. If you want one bucket-list game, it's this one.
• Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia (4.5 hours) — 6 matches including knockout rounds
• Yankee Stadium / New York venues — some matches played in the greater NYC area

❓ Frequently Asked Questions