Pawtucket to Hold Big Farewell Party for Blue Sharks Before 2026 World Cup

The city of Pawtucket, in the state of Rhode Island, will host a large community celebration next Sunday, June 7, 2026, in honor of the Cape Verde National Team, the Blue Sharks, ahead of their historic participation in the 2026 World Cup.

The event, called "Cape Verde Blue Sharks World Cup Send-Off Celebration", will take place between 12 noon and 5pm at Centreville Bank Stadium and promises to bring together hundreds of members of the Cape Verdean community, soccer fans and local residents for an afternoon of culture, music and sport.

Organized by the City of Pawtucket, the celebration will be free, although attendees will need to obtain tickets in advance through registration system provided by the organization.

Among the highlights of the event will be interactive activities with members of the Cape Verde National Team, a regional men's soccer tournament with local Cape Verdean teams, live cultural performances and musical entertainment with guest DJs.

The initiative represents another moment of unity and pride for the Cape Verdean diaspora in the United States, especially in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, regions with a strong presence of the Cape Verdean community.

The City of Pawtucket emphasized that the purpose of the event is to celebrate Cape Verdean culture and show full support for the Blue Sharks on this important journey to the soccer world stage.

The Cape Verde national team continues to write a new page in the history of national sport, taking the archipelago's name to the international stage and strengthening the sense of identity and pride among Cape Verdeans around the world.