June 13-July 9, 2026

Ocean State 2026 is a non-profit organization that was created to facilitate business sponsorships of 39 days of events across Rhode Island, to entertain soccer fans from around the world, and to celebrate the international matches being played in nearby Massachusetts next summer.

To find that answer, you just need to visit Pawtucket on the day of a Rhode Island FC home game as La Barra Bahia puts their Barra Brava on full display or attend a women’s soccer game at North Kingstown High School, home of the 2024 Division I Champions.  Take a ride to Central Falls and peek in a social club in Central Falls when Atlético Nacional is playing or go to Malted Barley in Providence during Premiere League action and you’ll see. Our state is steeped in soccer spirit!

We’re a group of Rhode Island businesses, government officials and safety experts who are getting ready to welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors to our state in June 2026.  They’ll be here to watch the international soccer matches in nearby Foxboro, Massachusetts and we are creating a statewide effort to create a 39-day celebration of soccer, culture and the arts here in Rhode Island to the rich recreational, cultural and natural resources that make Rhode Island such a special destination.

General Treasurer James A. Diossa is chair of the committee and Liz Tanner is serving as executive director.  They are supported by an active committee of soccer professionals, safety and security experts, tourism and hospitality officials from around the state.

Our state was founded on freedom of thought and religious beliefs by Roger Williams.  We’re a cultural melting pot and while we are all Rhode Islanders, we celebrate our cultural roots with passion. We also have a rich history of successful teams, from the Marksmen who won the American Soccer League championship more than 100 years ago to Rhode Island FC who earned the coveted USL Championship Eastern Conference title last year.