Select Dates From
June 11-July 19, 2026

Whether you call it football or soccer, you'll be excited to watch the international matches in New England this summer. The countdown has begun, and Rhode Island is ready to welcome fans from across the globe! We're rolling out cultural festivities, great food and fan fun. Our parks, hotels and restaurants will be ready with watch parties before the first boot hits the pitch. Cheer on your team, show your national pride and celebrate with tasty treats and coastal vibes in the Ocean State.

Volunteer with us and help make this summer unforgettable.

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WHERE IS RHODE ISLAND?

Follow RI Summer of Soccer

Blackstone Valley, RI

Block Island, RI

Newport & Bristol Counties, RI

Providence, RI

WaterFire, Proivdence, RI aerial view from a drone

South County, RI

Warwick, RI

Soccer in Rhode Island

Rhode Island has been a soccer powerhouse since the 1880s. By the early 1900s, Pawtucket's Howard and Bullough Football Club was dominating the field—winning the American Cup in 1911. The state's legacy deepened when Coats Field in Pawtucket hosted the inaugural US Open Cup in 1913, one of America's oldest soccer tournaments. Today, our state is home to USL's Rhode Island FC, who have delivered exciting action to sold-out crowds at the Centreville Bank Stadium.

Experience Rhode Island's culture, food, music and history this summer.
Some of the events you can attend:

WaterFire
RI PrideFest
Newport International Polo Series
Charlestown Seafood Festival
Summer Concert Series
and more ...

Podcast

The Rhode Island Summer of Soccer podcast shares news and insights about how the Ocean State is preparing to welcome the world for international soccer play in June 2026. We’ll share what we’re doing, our history of soccer and why Rhode Island is a great place to visit.

Planning an event during the RI Summer of Soccer? Submit your event here.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Ocean State 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.

Why Rhode Island?

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!

What is the Summer of Soccer?

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.

Who is leading the effort?

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.

What are the origins of Rhode Islanders’ love of the game?

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.

brought to you by

Ocean State 2026

Ocean State 2026 is a non-profit organization that created the RI Summer of Soccer™, 39 days of events across Rhode Island designed to entertain soccer fans from around the world, to celebrate Rhode Island attractions and culture, and to commemorate the international matches being played at nearby Boston Stadium.

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