A new report from the New York Post puts Gillette Stadium in Foxborough at the top of all 2026 FIFA World Cup venues, thanks to lower costs, better conditions, and an overall smoother fan experience.
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup unfolds across North America, not all host cities are delivering the same experience. According to the New York Post report, analysts evaluated all 11 U.S. stadiums using factors that directly impact fans — including hotel prices, crime rates, weather, concession costs, and even mosquito activity.
At the top of the list: Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, which earned a fan experience score of 8.08 out of 10 — the highest in the country.
The Boston-area venue stood out for its affordability and comfort, including some of the lowest beer prices among host stadiums (around $8.58) and minimal mosquito activity, a factor that significantly impacted rankings in warmer cities.
Meanwhile, Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium ranked last overall, dragged down by high hotel costs, expensive concessions, and the highest mosquito risk score in the study.
Full list of World Cup venues ranked by fan experience
Gillette, dubbed “Boston Stadium” during the tournament, took home the crown.
- Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA (8.08)
- Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO (8.03)
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA (7.87)
- Lumen Field, Seattle, WA (7.54)
- Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, CA (7.48)
- Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL (7.35)
- AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX (7.07)
- Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA (6.44)
- MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ (6.32)
- NRG Stadium, Houston, TX (5.96)
- SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA (5.82)
The rankings highlight just how much the overall experience can vary depending on where you watch. For Boston-area fans, it’s a strong showing — reinforcing that Gillette Stadium is one of the top places in the country to catch a World Cup match in 2026.
