If it feels like everyone is suddenly talking about the World Cup, you're not imagining it.

In just a few days, the biggest sporting event on the planet officially kicks off, and next summer Boston and New England will be right in the middle of the action.

Whether you're a die-hard soccer fan or someone who just heard "England is playing in Massachusetts?" this guide answers the questions everyone seems to be asking right now.

Credit: Getty Images

First Things First: The Games Aren't Actually In Boston

This is probably the biggest misconception.

While Boston is officially a FIFA World Cup host city, all seven matches will be played at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, which FIFA will temporarily call "Boston Stadium" during the tournament. The stadium is about 30 miles southwest of downtown Boston.

Which World Cup Matches Are Coming Here?

According to the Boston FIFA World Cup website, Boston will host seven matches total:

June 13

• Haiti vs. Scotland

June 16

• Iraq vs. Norway

June 19

• Scotland vs. Morocco

June 23

• England vs. Ghana

June 26

• Norway vs. France

June 29

• Round of 32 Match

July 9

• Quarterfinal Match

The England vs. Ghana match is already being talked about as one of the biggest draws in the city.

Credit: Getty Images

How Many People Are Coming?

A lot.

Early projections estimated Boston could see as many as 450,000 visitors tied directly to World Cup activities. More recent estimates suggest the broader region could welcome millions of visitors throughout the summer, especially with other major events happening around the same time. Officials expect the World Cup to generate roughly $1 billion in economic activity across Massachusetts.

In other words, if you've been putting off booking a hotel room in Boston... you may want to stop reading and go do that now.

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How Do You Get To The Stadium?

Honestly? Public transportation is probably your best bet.

Officials are encouraging fans to take special MBTA trains that will run directly between South Station in Boston and Foxborough on match days. You'll need a match ticket to purchase the train ticket, and officials expect those trains to be extremely popular.

If you're driving, parking will be available at Gillette Stadium, including free lots and prepaid lots closer to the venue. But expect Route 1 traffic to be unlike anything we've ever seen in New England.

What Will Boston Be Like During The World Cup?

Think Patriots playoff game.

Now multiply it by about a thousand.

You'll hear dozens of languages walking through the city. Every sports bar will be packed. Hotels will be full. Restaurants will be busy. The entire region is expected to feel like one giant international festival for several weeks.

And if you've never experienced soccer fans from around the world, you're in for a treat. These fans don't just attend game, they take over entire cities.

Can You Watch Without A Ticket?

Absolutely.

Most fans won't be inside the stadium.

Boston is expected to host fan festivals, watch parties, and public viewing events throughout the tournament. Local sports bars, breweries, and gathering spots are already preparing for huge crowds. More details on official fan zones are expected as the tournament gets closer.

Should New Englanders Be Excited?

Without question.

This is the first men's World Cup on U.S. soil since 1994, and it could be the only time many of us get to experience an event of this size in our backyard.

Even if soccer isn't normally your thing, there's something pretty incredible about knowing fans from Scotland, England, Ghana, Morocco, France, Norway, and dozens of other countries will be spending part of their summer right here in New England.

The world is coming to Boston.

And honestly, that's pretty cool.