Meet Boston Tourism Leader Martha Sheridan Joins FIFA World Cup 26 Boston Honorary Board

Boston 26, a non-profit organization responsible for FIFA World Cup 26 tournament preparations and celebrations in the Boston region, has enlisted Meet Boston President & CEO Martha J. Sheridan to join its Honorary Board of notable business leaders, to provide strategic guidance and vision as the region gears up to welcome legions of soccer fans for FIFA World Cup matches in 2026.

Sheridan has been a leading member of the Boston Soccer 2026 committee and was instrumental in the successful bid to bring FIFA World Cup 26 matches to Greater Boston. Additionally, she helped to bring several major sporting events to Boston, including the first-ever Army-Navy Game held in Massachusetts, the first-ever WNBA regular season game at TD Garden, Boston Supertri, Six Invitational, the NHL/NHLPA Four Nations Face-Off and the ISU World Figure Skating Championships in winter of 2025.

Meet Boston President & CEO Martha J. Sheridan

Boston 26 Honorary Board Chairman Ron O’Hanley said that Sheridan’s “experience and leadership in the hospitality and tourism industry, coupled with a keen understanding of sports marketing, will strengthen our efforts as we gear up to host the most-watched international sporting event in the world, bringing millions of fans to our region.” 

“Boston is world-renowned for sporting excellence and achievement. We are a city of champions,” Sheridan says. “I look forward to working with the Honorary Board to ensure that the tens of thousands of visitors who travel to Greater Boston for the iconic World Cup games come to see why Boston is a premier global destination.”

A seasoned tourism leader and leading woman executive, Sheridan provides strategic direction to Meet Boston, a 1,000-plus partner organization whose mission is to generate a robust visitor economy for the region while promoting Greater Boston to national and international audiences. Annually, the travel, tourism and hospitality sector generate more than $20 billion dollars for the greater Boston economy. 

According to the latest data, the FIFA World Cup 26 is expected to bring $1.3 billion in local economic impact, create over 9,000 jobs, and generate more than $67.6 million of tax revenue throughout the region. The projections forecast that more than two million visitors will come to New England throughout the tournament’s 39-day span staying in local hotels, eating in local restaurants, and enjoying all the region has to offer.  Boston is hosting seven matches, including one quarter-final game at Boston Stadium in Foxborough, MA. The games kick off on June 13, 2026 and run through the July 9, 2026 quarter-finals.

FIFA World Cup 26 Matches at Boston Stadium: 

● 6.13.26: Group Stage 
● 6.16.26: Group Stage 
● 6.19.26: Group Stage 
● 6.23.26: Group Stage 
● 6.26.26: Group Stage 
● 6.29.26: Round of 32 
● 7.9.26: Quarter-finals 

The Final Draw for the FIFA World Cup 26 takes place later this year and will determine which teams will compete in Boston as part of the group stage matches. Foxboro Stadium hosted six matches during the 1994 FIFA World Cup. 

About FIFA World Cup 26 Boston: 
FIFA World Cup 26 Boston (Boston 26) is the host city organizing committee leading the strategic planning and execution of the seven matches of the FIFA World Cup 26 awarded to Boston, including the official celebratory events taking place over a 39-day period surrounding the tournament. 

Boston 2026 aims to create and deliver memorable and safe experiences that promote the region. As a non-profit organization, it is committed to creating sustainable and positive economic and social impact for all communities. For more information, visit  www.BostonFWC26.com and on Instagram @FWC26Boston.