Rhode Island fans celebrate 2026 World Cup draw at local watch party
PAWTUCKET, R.I. (WLNE) — Friday was one of the coldest days of the year, but much of Rhode Island was focused on warmer days and soccer.
Friday afternoon, fans learned which teams will be coming to New England for the 2026 World Cup group stage in June.
“I’ve been to World Cups in the past,” Newport resident Timmy May said. “I went to see soccer games in Mexico in ‘86. I saw games in 1990 in Italy.”
And now, May will have the chance to see the World Cup in his own backyard.
Months ahead of the first matches in June, Rhode Island soccer fans gathered at their home club’s stadium in Pawtucket.
RIFC hosted a watch party as FIFA announced which teams will be coming to the United States — and New England.
With Providence set to host at least one team, residents of the Capital City made their pitch to potential visitors.
“It’s a great culture, the food’s amazing,” Providence resident Jose Olivences said. “We’ve got every culture, very diverse internationally. When we go out of state, we don’t find any food that compares to Rhode Island.”
Brazil, England, and France are among the teams set to play at Gillette Stadium.
- Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland
- Group I: France, Senegal, Winner Play-off 2, Norway
- Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama
“My parents are from Haiti,” Providence resident Akisch Lenus said. “So I’m excited. That country has been through so much, so to see them in the World Cup is amazing.”
Teams will now sort out where they’ll stay and practice when the World Cup arrives in June.
“I’m stoked. I’m super excited,” Pawtucket resident Jason McLaughlin said. “I can’t believe that it’s actually going to be at Gillette. That’s a big deal.”
Bryant University in Smithfield is one of the FIFA-approved options for base camps.
