For New England fans of World Cup soccer, your countdown for the “Summer of Soccer” has begun – and for Rhode Island businesses large and small, now is the time to start planning your participation.
An estimated 2.2 million people will attend the FIFA World Cup 2026 matches and events in the Boston area next summer, with nearly 900,000 expected to stay in Rhode Island. It’s the first time since 1994 that the quadrennial event has taken place in North America, and it is anticipated to be the largest event ever held on this continent.
According to FIFA World Cup News, the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be composed of 48 national teams, and will be jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the USA from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
Liz Tanner, Executive Director of Ocean State 2026, is working closely with Kristen Adamo, President and CEO of the Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, and Mary Kay Talbot, Director of Special Projects for the Rhode Island Sports Commission, to prepare the Ocean State for its global close-up. The non-profit organization is chaired by RI General Treasurer James A. Diossa.
In her comments at the Discover Newport marketing meeting last month, Tanner emphasized the distinction between the FIFA World Cup Festival-sponsored activities and the Ocean State 2026 events. World Cup activities — much like the Champagne industry in France, the Olympic and Paralympic Games, or the U.S. Open — are highly regulated and have strict sponsorship guidelines. While Tanner anticipates having at least one major FIFA World Cup event in Providence, it must be officially sanctioned by FIFA/Boston 2026 and is still under consideration.
The Rhode Island Summer of Soccer events will take place from June 13 – July 9, 2026. Bryant University in Smithfield is slated to host the only potential base camp for athletes in all New England. The teams that will be playing next year’s matches in New England will be announced December 5. Any announcement regarding Bryant University being chosen as a base camp would be announced in early 2026.
“Attendees of these events are expected to spend an estimated $331 million within the state of Rhode Island during the 39 days of events,” Tanner said. “We have received specific requests to create luxury and VIP experiences, in addition to sporting-related ones, so we are working to deliver on those requests both here in Rhode Island, and at the stadium.”
To round out the schedule and to drive more economic impact and global attention to the Ocean State, the non-profit is organizing youth soccer events, culturally themed festivities, and statewide
food and film festivals, which will be hosted by some municipalities as well as by sponsors and other non-profits.
A guidebook to apply for a license to host watch parties and information on that process can be found here.
Contact info@oceanstate2026.com to find out more.
Michele Gallagher is a dedicated supporter of local businesses and the founder of City-by-the-Sea Communications.