Boston to give away more than 500 free World Cup tickets, Wu says

Mayor Michelle Wu on Saturday announced the distribution of more than 500 free World Cup tickets to Boston residents.

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Wu revealed the ticket offer as tens of thousands of fans plan to convene Saturday night to watch Haiti and Scotland play at 9 p.m. in the tournament’s first local match in Foxborough.

“More than a free ticket, the opportunity to attend the games is about creating memories that will last a lifetime,” Wu said in a statement. “We thank all our private partners who have stepped up to make this possible for Boston families.”

The announcement didn’t specify the games for which free tickets will be offered to city residents. The free tickets include round-trip transportation to the game, Wu said in the statement.

The city said it intends to partner with local soccer and youth groups as well as cultural organizations to distribute the tickets, including the Soccer Unity Project which is based in Boston.

Caroline K. Foscato, president and founder of Soccer Unity Project, said in the statement that it is “essential” to give young people and families in Boston a chance to participate in the World Cup.

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“By expanding access, breaking down barriers, and creating pathways for inclusion, this initiative reflects the very best of what the World Cup represents,” she said. “It will help ensure that the tournament’s impact extends far beyond the matches themselves, leaving a lasting legacy of opportunity, belonging, and community pride in neighborhoods across Boston.”

Beginning Saturday night, there will be seven World Cup matches at Gillette Stadium, which is being called Boston Stadium during the tournament.

The matches include a round of 32 game and a quarter-final contest.

Wu said a group of corporations and individuals collaborated to provide the free tickets.

She said the sponsors include Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, the Red Sox, Boston Legacy Football Club, Coca-Cola Beverages Northeast, Eastern Bank, Fidelity Investments, John Hancock, Puma, Related Beal, WHOOP, Ron Druker and The Druker Company, Ltd., Alicia Cooney and Stephen Quigley, Barrie Landry, and Dan and Julie Kenary.

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