Providence will not host a single game during the 2026 World Cup. However, this small Rhode Island city hopes to become a major hub for fans attending matches at the nearby Boston stadium, less than an hour away. While host cities like New York grapple with the high costs of security, transportation, and infrastructure associated with the tournament, Providence is preparing to welcome thousands of visitors drawn by a much more affordable option. The choice was no accident. “Providence was closer to the stadium and much cheaper,” explains Gregor, one of the organizers of the Tartan Army, the traveling Scottish fan group. What began as a plan to bring together “300 or 400 people” ended up growing unexpectedly. “It just got huge,” he sums up.

The largest contingent will be the Scottish fans, who have made Providence their headquarters for the tournament. More than 5,000 fans are expected from that country, which is competing in its first World Cup since its last appearance in France ’98. Scarves, flags, and merchandise from the 48 participating countries are already piling up in the bars, while local authorities are coordinating parades, concerts, and charity events.

“5,000 Scots are going to have a huge impact on a small town like this,” explains Ivan, the manager of one of the downtown’s most popular bars, who has rallied other businesses to welcome the fans. The town is gearing up for a rare celebration in Rhode Island, the nation’s smallest state.

“What people can expect is a huge celebration,” Gregor promises. “Businesses and residents are going to enjoy it.” In addition, for months they’ve been coordinating their arrival with local authorities and city organizations, such as a bagpipe band. “It all started with a simple Facebook message, and now we’re set to play and march with them several times during the events they’ve organized,” says Samantha Archer, a musician with the Rhode Island Highlanders.

Joining the Scottish fever is another community for which the World Cup holds special significance: the Cape Verdean community. Rhode Island and southern Massachusetts are home to one of the largest Cape Verdean diasporas in the world, and the African team’s qualification for its first World Cup has sparked widespread enthusiasm.

“We’re very small islands, but now the world is going to get to know us,” says Nelson Evora, a community leader in Pawtucket, a city neighboring Providence. “When the national team plays, politics and religion disappear; there’s just one country.” Thousands of Cape Verdeans are buying up the country’s supply of jerseys, and the excitement is palpable even among those who aren’t interested in soccer. Now, it remains to be seen whether the expectations of betting on a unique strategy will be met and whether Providence will manage to benefit from the World Cup without shouldering the enormous costs that come with being a host city.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAÍS USA Edition