The world’s biggest sporting event is coming to southern New England – and its impact will extend well beyond the stadium where the games are being played. The FIFA World Cup, held every four years, takes place across North America this summer, with more than 100 matches scheduled in cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Several games will be played at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, MA, placing the Providence area squarely within the tournament’s orbit.
While Boston is the official host city, Rhode Island is preparing for a significant influx of visitors, with seven matches scheduled at Gillette (renamed Boston Stadium for the tournament), between June 13 and July 9. Hundreds of thousands of fans are expected to travel through the region, and many will stay in Providence-area hotels and visit area restaurants, bars, and attractions, generating significant economic activity.
Planning efforts have been underway for months, involving local businesses, tourism officials, and community groups. Mary Talbot, director of special projects at the Rhode Island Sports Commission, says stakeholders in the hospitality industry are ready for an influx of foreign visitors and are preparing for challenges that may arise from cultural differences. For example, because many (non-US) visitors are not accustomed to tipping at restaurants and bars, “Restaurants may build their pricing differently, knowing that people (from some countries) don’t tip, to make sure employees are compensated properly,” she explains. “If you’re working in a pub or something that is going to be near the FanZone, you’ll be doing quick turnaround meals, rather than more complex dishes, knowing that you’ll be busier.”
One fan hub is expected to emerge at Track 15 in downtown Providence, serving as an informal gathering spot for fans of Ghana’s national team, which will be based at Bryant University in Smithfield, creating a unique cultural connection. Talbot said excitement among Ghanaian fans is already strong, driven by early outreach. “We hosted an influencer from Ghana during the week of the big snowstorm,” she says. “Although we had to cancel a planned announcement, she still toured the area, connected with local partners, and immediately saw the potential – suggesting cultural programming, guest chefs, and events that celebrate Ghanaian heritage.”
Locals can also expect a friendly invasion of all things Scottish when Team Scotland plays at Gillette. “We have a very active Scottish contingent, called the Tartan Army,” says Talbot. “We’ve been in touch with both the Tartan Army (fanclub) and the Tartan Army Sunshine Appeal, their charitable arm. They’re going to have a very strong presence in downtown Providence, working with the G Pub on their events.”
Got tickets for a game? Be assured, it’s going to be a little crazy, and there will likely be traffic backups along routes 1 and 95 on game days, says Talbot. “People assume it’s going to be like a football game, that they’re going to have that same kind of access to the stadium. But that’s not the case, she says. “There are no trains going to Gillette from Providence. You can’t drive your car there unless you reserve a pass, and there are going to be 75 percent fewer passes than at a typical football game.”
Couldn’t score tickets to the World Cup? Worry not, you can still be part of the fun. Station Park in Providence will host the FIFA PVD FanZone, a free, large-scale watch party running from June 11 through July 19. Located on the lawn between the State House and the train station, the FanZone will feature live broadcasts on a giant screen, along with music, food trucks, and a beer garden.
“The PVD FanZone will be a lively, accessible way for neighbors and visitors to take part in the energy of Rhode Island’s Summer of Soccer right here in Providence,” says Michaela Antunes, spokeswoman for Providence Mayor Brett Smiley. “Attendance and programming will vary by day and match schedule, but we are planning for several thousand visitors on peak days, particularly around high-profile matches and weekends, with strong attendance over the course of the six-week run.”
Accompanying the FanZone, Waterplace Park will be a center of activity, hosting the “House of Portugal” through August 1. The activation, led by WeGotSoccer in partnership with PUMA and the Portuguese Football Federation, aims to create a major fan destination that celebrates both Portuguese culture and the state’s strong Portuguese-American community. Organizers say the site will feature live match viewings, cultural exhibits, fan engagement events, and appearances by athletes and public figures. FIFA merchandise will also be available, alongside tourism showcases promoting both Portugal and Rhode Island.
“This is a wonderful addition that will enhance Rhode Island’s Summer of Soccer experience,” notes General Treasurer and Ocean State 2026 Chair James Diossa. “The House of Portugal brings together soccer, cultural pride, and economic opportunity that will showcase Providence and our state on an international stage. As fans from around the world come to New England in 2026, this activation helps ensure Rhode Island stands out as a destination that celebrates its Portuguese heritage and creates unforgettable experiences throughout the Summer of Soccer.”
The Fédération Internationale de Football Association, aka FIFA (French for International Federation of Association Football), is the global governing body of soccer, responsible for organizing and overseeing international competitions, including the FIFA World Cup. Founded in 1904 and based in Zurich, it sets the rules of the game, promotes development worldwide, and coordinates national associations. FIFA works to grow the sport, ensure fair play, and manage major tournaments that bring together teams and fans from across the globe.
Bryant University will serve as the official base camp for the Ghana Men’s National Team during the World Cup, bringing global attention to both the university and the state. The West African team, known as the Black Stars, will train on campus as they prepare for their fifth World Cup appearance. Led by midfielder Antoine Semenyo, who plays in the English Premier League, Ghana will compete in Group L, facing Panama in Toronto on June 17, England in Boston on June 23, and Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27. Bryant recently opened a 43,000-square-foot field house featuring advanced training, recovery, and sports medicine facilities designed to support elite athletes and meet FIFA’s standards for field quality, security, and professional-grade infrastructure.
The World Cup will undoubtedly draw more attention to soccer, both nationally and locally. Rhode Island Football Club officials expect to see increased fan support as a result of the tournament. “If you remember World Cup ‘94, there was a pretty impactful bounce with soccer in general; I’d anticipate that there’ll be a similar impact this time,” says interim President Sean Carey. “There’s obviously a lot of interest in the sport, and in the World Cup itself. That supports RI FC on
multiple levels. We have a diverse squad with players from many different countries. I think people are paying attention, even if their countries aren’t playing in the World Cup, there’s an interest in who’s playing and where they are from.”
Expect a pro-level soccer atmosphere when Boston Legacy FC comes to Pawtucket’s Centreville Stadium for several games this summer. The women’s professional team is splitting its home season between Foxboro’s Gillette Stadium and the new Pawtucket stadium while its Boston venue is being renovated. Led by US Olympic gold medalist Casey Murphy, the team is playing its inaugural season in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). “We’re proud to be hosting the Boston Legacy FC team,” says stadium General Manager Paul Byrne. “I think they will be the first-ever professional women’s soccer games played in Rhode Island.” “With the FIFA World Cup coming to our region and unprecedented momentum behind the women’s game, 2026 is set to be a landmark year for soccer,” adds Boston Legacy Football Club Team President Jennifer van Dijk.
Earlier this year, the Rhode Island Sports Commission announced $40,000 in grants to eight youth soccer organizations as part of a statewide initiative to expand youth participation and strengthen community programs. Executive Director Jonathan Walker said the funding is designed to help local groups promote events, increase access for young players, and build excitement ahead of a summer expected to draw heightened attention to the sport.
Recipients include Burrillville Glocester Youth Soccer Association, Coventry Soccer Association, Cumberland Youth Soccer Association, East Providence Youth Soccer Association, Mundialito, Narragansett Youth Soccer Association, Project GOAL, and South County Youth Soccer Club. Organizers emphasize that grassroots programs play a key role in developing future athletes while fostering inclusion and community engagement.
Leaders from participating organizations say the funding will expand tournaments, leadership opportunities, and family-focused events. Project GOAL Executive Director Darius Shirzadi said the grant will support a range of summer activities and enhance existing programs. “At Project GOAL, we are honored and appreciative of the grant award by the Rhode Island Sports Commission. This contribution will help us provide an exciting summer of soccer-related events to benefit our kids at Project GOAL and our organization’s programming.”
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