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The event is set to run for several days.
15:18, Thu, Jun 18, 2026 Updated: 23:33, Thu, Jun 18, 2026
The FIFA Fan Festival in Boston has been shut down today amid fears over stormy weather. (Image: Getty)
The FIFA Fan Festival in Boston has been shut down today, officials said, amid fears over adverse weather conditions. Organisers released a statement confirming the closure earlier on June 18, as severe thunderstorms have been forecasted across Massachusetts, according to the National Weather Service.
The free public event has been operating since June 12 and is slated to run through June 27. It takes place at Boston City Hall Plaza and broadcasts some of the World Cup matches.
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A spokesperson for FIFA Fan Festival in Boston said over today's closure: "Due to anticipated inclement weather conditions, the FIFA Fan Festival Boston at City Hall Plaza will be closed today, June 18.
"It’s our priority to ensure the safety of fans, staff, volunteers, and emergency services personnel. Additional operational updates will be shared as needed."
Organisers also said on the FIFA Fan Festival Boston website: "We apologize for the inconvenience and encourage you to enjoy the sport safely where you can."
Some UK fans expressed disbelief at the closure due to the weather. Lesley Reid, 61, who works for Scotrail, and her husband David, 62, retired and from Barrhead, are in Boston for the World Cup.
Football fans can watch matches in the zone (Image: Getty)
Lesley told the Daily Record: "It's just a normal day in Paisley. I don't know what all the fuss in about. I don't know why the fan zone had to be shut. It's just normal for us.
"Maybe they're just not used to it like we are. It's a little bit windy, for sure. but I don't think they had to shut it.
"We are heading on a boat trip today and I can't see that being cancelled."
David added: "It does feel like a wee bit of an overreaction. I remember years ago, when I was in Florida, they did the exact same thing, shut everything off, and we were wearing shorts and T-shirts. They're just not used to it."
Alistair Nayar, 38, an electrician who is originally from Polmont but now lives in North Carolina, said the move was "over cautionary", but added: "But I think Boston's done a good job, but that's what I'm going to say. I'm not going to criticise it too much because they've really looked after us."
English (US) · 