More than 1,100 free World Cup tickets will be made available for Mass. youth, Healey says

More than 1,100 free World Cup tickets will be set aside for Massachusetts youth to attend matches in Foxborough, the Healey administration announced Monday.

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The tickets — 1,104 in all — are being donating by short-term rental site Airbnb.

In a statement, Governor Maura Healey’s office said the tickets will be distributed through the Boys & Girls Clubs, the state Department of Children and Families, and community organizations around Massachusetts.

The statement said the Massachusetts Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubswill distribute 704 tickets, while the remaining 400 will be given out through “organizations serving cultural communities” represented in the world’s most watched sporting event, as well as to youth involved with DCF.

“The World Cup is coming to Massachusetts, and we want young people from every corner of our state to have the chance to be part of it,” said Healey, in the statement. “These tickets will help make sure that kids who otherwise may never have the opportunity to attend a match can experience the excitement of the world’s biggest sporting event.

“We want to spread that opportunity as widely as possible, create memories that will last a lifetime and inspire children across the state to dream big and chase their goals,” she continued.

Healey’s words were echoed in the statement by Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll.

“We’re working to make sure the benefits of hosting the World Cup reach communities across Massachusetts,” Driscoll said. “By providing free tickets to young people, we’re opening the door for more families to experience the excitement of the world’s biggest sporting event and be part of a moment that will bring people together from around the globe.”

Seven World Cup matches will be held at Gillette Stadium — known as Boston Stadium during the tournament — between June 13 and July 9.

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“On behalf of the Massachusetts Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs and the thousands of young people we serve across the Commonwealth, we are incredibly grateful to Governor Maura Healey for this extraordinary gift,” said Jennifer Aldworth, executive director of the alliance, in the statement.

Aldworth said that for many children involved with her organization, “attending a FIFA World Cup match is more than just seeing a sporting event — it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the excitement, diversity, and global spirit that sports can inspire.”

The complimentary tickets, Aldworth said, “will create unforgettable memories, broaden horizons, and remind our young people that they belong on the world’s biggest stages. Governor Healey’s commitment to expanding opportunities for youth continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Club kids and families throughout Massachusetts.”

Nathan Blecharczyk, an Airbnb co-founder and Boston native, said the online rental giant was pleased to partner with the state on the ticket initiative.

“We’re thrilled to provide hundreds of Massachusetts kids an opportunity to attend the FIFA World Cup 2026 and experience firsthand the joy of this once-in-a-generation event — and we’re grateful to Governor Healy for helping us make this a reality,” Blecharczyk said in the statement. “As the world arrives in the Boston area, my hometown, Airbnb is proud to help communities take part in the excitement as well as help locals benefit from all those who will travel for the games.”

Participating organizations include the Immigrant Families Services Institute, Everett Haitian Community Center, International Institute of New England, Brazilian American Center (BRACE), African Community Education (ACE), Ascentria Care Alliance and Jewish Family Services of Western Massachusetts, the statement said.

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