Soccer fans on the SouthCoast are going to have a new favorite store this summer.
Providence Mayor Brett Smiley has just announced that Waterplace Park will become home to PUMA’s House of Portugal this summer, bringing soccer energy and Portuguese culture to downtown like never before.
Hitting even closer to home is the fact that one of the key partners behind it all is WeGotSoccer, a company that got its start right here in Taunton. Not bad for a local SouthCoast brand.
A World Cup Experience Comes to Waterplace Park
From May 1 through August 1, 2026, the Waterplace Park Pavilion will be transformed into an active cultural hub lining up perfectly with FIFA World Cup soccer coming to New England.
READ MORE: New Bedford Rolls Out Welcome Mat For FIFA World Cup Fans
Picture soccer watch parties, celebrity appearances, fan events, live music and serious international energy, all along the water in Providence.
If you’ve ever been to a WaterFire night in Rhode Island’s capital city, then picture that magical atmosphere with hundreds of soccer fans cheering on matches and celebrating Portuguese culture.
READ MORE: ProvidenceTops List of Cities For Starting Over
That’s exactly the vibe organizers are going for with the House of Portugal, which is coming together thanks to partnerships from PUMA, the Portuguese Football Federation and Taunton-based WeGotSoccer.
Why the House of Portugal Matters to New England
Portuguese roots run deep in this area of New England and as Mayor Smiley pointed out in the city’s press release about the opening,
This activation brings international energy to our waterfront, celebrates our region’s deep Portuguese heritage and supports our downtown businesses during one of the most significant global events of the decade.
City leaders, who approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) allowing the city to enter into a Waterplace Park lease agreement with WeGotSoccer, say this new store is just one part of a larger “Summer of Soccer” plan.
More “Summer of Soccer” Events on the Way
Details on additional “Summer of Soccer” events and activities will be announced closer to the start of the FIFA World Cup in June.
Check out where the 2026 World Cup games will be played in America
Gallery Credit: Nick Northern
Helder Sousa has an eye for photography and a beautiful way of capturing the pure emotion of the Portuguese Romeiros, a group whose annual pilgrimage is a demonstration of faith and tradition.
Gallery Credit: Gazelle
On April 23rd, the Providence Performing Arts Center hosted the 10th annual International Portuguese Music Awards.
Gallery Credit: Gazelle