Mayor Brett Smiley Announces MOU for House of Portugal Activation at Waterplace Park

City partners with Ocean State 2026 to support cultural experiences for global soccer fans visiting New England during the 2026 World Cup

Mayor Brett P. Smiley today in partnership with Rhode Island General Treasurer and Ocean State 2026 Chair James Diossa, the Providence City Council and WeGotSoccer announced plans to activate Waterplace Park Pavilion as PUMA's House of Portugal during Rhode Island's Summer of Soccer. The temporary activation, running from May 1 through August 1, 2026, will be led by WeGotSoccer in partnership with PUMA Group's global team, the Federação Portuguesa de Futebol.

The House of Portugal will serve as a centerpiece attraction for international soccer fans, local residents and Southern New England's large Portuguese-American community as global visitors travel to New England for World Cup matches. Programming and features are expected to include immersive cultural and brand activations, live match viewing experiences, athlete and celebrity appearances, fan engagement events, retail and merchandise offerings led by WeGotSoccer and PUMA and tourism showcases highlighting both Portugal and Rhode Island's Portuguese heritage.

"Providence is ready to welcome the world this summer," said Mayor Brett Smiley. "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."

PUMA has designated the House of Portugal as a Tier 1 Global Marketing and Sales Activation, placing Providence at the center of one of the company's highest profile campaigns worldwide during the 2026 World Cup. The activation will be fully temporary, with no permanent modifications to the building and no financial contribution from the City.

"I want to thank WeGotSoccer and the City of Providence for working together on this exciting project, and in close collaboration with Ocean State 2026," said General Treasurer and Ocean State 2026 Chair James Diossa. "This is a wonderful addition that will enhance Rhode Island's Summer of Soccer experience. The House of Portugal brings together soccer, cultural pride, and economic opportunity that will showcase Providence and our state on an international stage. As fans from around the world come to New England in 2026, this activation helps ensure Rhode Island stands out as a destination that celebrates its Portuguese heritage and creates unforgettable experiences throughout the Summer of Soccer."

With hundreds of thousands of global soccer fans expected to travel throughout New England in 2026, Providence is positioning itself as a premier destination offering a distinctive cultural experience. The House of Portugal is expected to drive downtown foot traffic, support local businesses, generate international media attention and highlight the city's deep Portuguese roots on a global stage.

"The World Cup is a great opportunity for visitors to come experience all the wonderful attractions, shopping, and dining Providence has to offer," said Councilman John Goncalves (Ward 1). "The House of Portugal in Downtown is a perfect addition to our city, creating a welcoming space where local residents and visiting soccer fans alike can relax, connect, and immerse themselves in Portuguese culture. We look forward to bringing community together around sports in a meaningful way."

"Providence is the ideal location for the House of Portugal," said Ruben Rodrigues, Director of Retail & Brand Strategy at WeGotSoccer. "This region is home to one of the most passionate Portuguese communities in the country, with a deep, generational connection to soccer. In partnership with PUMA, the Federação Portuguesa de Futebol, and Ocean State 2026, we're proud to create a destination that celebrates Portuguese culture and unites fans as excitement builds toward the 2026 World Cup."

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was approved today by the Providence Board of Park Commissioners, allowing the City of Providence to enter into a Waterplace Park lease agreement with WeGotSoccer. Additional details will be announced ahead of 2026 Summer of Soccer programming.