{"id":2474,"date":"2026-06-11T16:37:59","date_gmt":"2026-06-11T16:37:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bostonrelocationinsider.com\/?p=2474"},"modified":"2026-06-11T16:37:59","modified_gmt":"2026-06-11T16:37:59","slug":"%e2%9a%bd-if-world-cup-teams-were-rhode-island-power-players","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bostonrelocationinsider.com\/?p=2474","title":{"rendered":"\u26bd If World Cup teams were Rhode Island power players"},"content":{"rendered":"<article>\n<div>\n<p><span>The World Cup begins today, which means it\u2019s time for one of Rhode Map\u2019s favorite traditions: confidently making comparisons that are based on little more than vibes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Read more <a href=\"https:\/\/bostonrelocationinsider.com\/?p=2472\">The Knicks\u2019 comeback was epic. So was their fans\u2019 response.<\/a><\/p>\n<p><span>To celebrate the tournament, I\u2019ve assigned each of the 48 World Cup teams to a Rhode Island political figure. This exercise is not scientific. It has not been reviewed by political scientists, soccer experts, or attorneys, but it should absolutely serve as your guide for the next month.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Some comparisons are based on reputation. Others are based on style. A few are based on pure instinct. None should be taken too seriously.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p><span>Agree? Great.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Disagree? Even better.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Let\u2019s begin.<\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<div>\n<h3>\u26bd Spain<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span><b>Rhode Island match: <\/b>Former governor <b>Gina Raimondo<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><b>What to know: <\/b>Ball-dominant, flashy squad considered to be the star of the tournament.<\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<div>\n<h3>\u26bd France<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span><b>Rhode Island match:<\/b> Former House speaker <b>Joe Shekarchi<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><b>What to know: <\/b>Eyes are on their every move.<\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<div>\n<div><span>Get Rhode Map<\/span><\/div>\n<div><span>A weekday briefing from veteran Rhode Island reporters, focused on the things that matter most in the Ocean State.<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div><label>Enter Email<\/label><\/p>\n<div><button>Sign Up<\/button><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div>\n<h3>\u26bd England<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span><b>Rhode Island match: <\/b>Governor <b>Dan McKee<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><b>What to know: <\/b>Experienced squad hoping to break through this year.<\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<div>\n<h3>\u26bd Portugal<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span><b>Rhode Island match:<\/b> Gubernatorial candidate <b>Helena Foulkes<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><b>What to know: <\/b>One of the most promising teams hoping to finally win it all.<\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<div>\n<h3>\u26bd Argentina<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span><b>Rhode Island match: <\/b>AFL-CIO President <b>Pat Crowley<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><b>What to know: <\/b>Flashy, headline-making and capable of anything.<\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<div>\n<h3>\u26bd Brazil<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span><b>Rhode Island match: <\/b>Secretary of State <b>Gregg Amore<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><b>What to know: <\/b>Always a threat to win, but keeping a low profile.<\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<div>\n<h3>\u26bd Germany<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span><b>Rhode Island match: <\/b>US Senator <b>Jack Reed<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><b>What to know: <\/b>Veteran squad that knows how to handle its business.<\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<div>\n<h3>\u26bd Netherlands<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span><b>Rhode Island match: <\/b>US Senator <b>Sheldon Whitehouse<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><b>What to know: <\/b>Consistent, very little drama, focused on getting the job done.<\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<div>\n<h3>\u26bd Norway<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span><b>Rhode Island match: <\/b>House Speaker <b>Chris Blazejewski<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><b>What to know: <\/b>Superb high-scoring squad ready to prove itself on the biggest stage.<\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<div>\n<h3>\u26bd Belgium<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span><b>Rhode Island match: <\/b>Senate President <b>Val Lawson<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><b>What to know: <\/b>Deep on experience with big expectations.<\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<div>\n<h3>\u26bd Colombia<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span><b>Rhode Island match:<\/b> Former congressman <b>David Cicilline<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><b>What to know: <\/b>All the skill and pace you could ask for.<\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<div>\n<h3>\u26bd Morocco<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span><b>Rhode Island match: <\/b>US Representative <b>Seth Magaziner<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><b>What to know:<\/b>Turned heads in 2022 and now has something to prove.<\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<div>\n<h3>\u26bd United States<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span><b>Rhode Island match: <\/b>Lieutenant Governor <b>Sabina Matos<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><b>What to know: <\/b>Full of potential but still has to prove itself.<\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<div>\n<h3>\u26bd Switzerland<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span><b>Rhode Island match: <\/b>Providence Mayor <b>Brett Smiley<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><b>What to know: <\/b>Fox Sports calls this squad \u201csafe, boring and effective.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<div>\n<h3>\u26bd Uruguay<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span><b>Rhode Island match: <\/b>LIUNA\u2019s <b>Mike Sabitoni<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><b>What to know: <\/b>Always a factor.<\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<div>\n<h3>\u26bd Japan<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span><b>Rhode Island match:<\/b> Attorney general candidate <b>Kim Ahern<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><b>What to know: <\/b>Lots of scoring options and a bright future.<\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<div>\n<h3>\u26bd Mexico<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span><b>Rhode Island match: <\/b>Democratic Party Chair <b>Liz Beretta-Perik<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><b>What to know: <\/b>High expectations to win now.<\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<div>\n<h3>\u26bd Ecuador<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span><b>Rhode Island match: <\/b>Cranston Mayor <b>Ken Hopkins<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><b>What to know:<\/b>Tough, defensive-minded and resilient.<\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<div>\n<h3>\u26bd Turkey<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span><b>Rhode Island match: <\/b>Attorney General <b>Peter Neronha<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><b>What to know: <\/b>You can\u2019t take your eyes off this attacking squad.<\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<div>\n<h3>\u26bd Croatia<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span><b>Rhode Island match: <\/b>Businessman <b>Joe Paolino<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><b>What to know: <\/b>Veteran squad, but still has something to prove.<\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<div>\n<h3>\u26bd Senegal<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span><b>Rhode Island match: <\/b>Newport Councilman and lieutenant gubernatorial candidate <b>Xay Khamsyvoravong<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><b>What to know: <\/b>Dark horse of the tournament but playing in a tough group.<\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<div>\n<h3>\u26bd Sweden<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span><b>Rhode Island match: <\/b>Treasurer<b>James Diossa<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><b>What to know: <\/b>Plenty of talent. Now has to prove it on the pitch.<\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<div>\n<h3>\u26bd Austria<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span><b>Rhode Island match:<\/b> Gubernatorial candidate <b>Ken Block<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><b>What to know: <\/b>Intense, energetic and highly capable.<\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<div>\n<h3>\u26bd Canada<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span><b>Rhode Island match: <\/b>Gubernatorial candidate <b>Aaron Guckian<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><b>What to know: <\/b>Up-and-comer hoping to make a mark.<\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<div>\n<h3>\u26bd Scotland<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span><b>Rhode Island match: <\/b>State Representative and Providence mayoral candidate <b>David Morales<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Read more <a href=\"https:\/\/bostonrelocationinsider.com\/?p=2470\">What does it take to stage Trump\u2019s UFC fight at the White House? $60 million and 7 federal agencies.<\/a><\/p>\n<p><span><b>What to know: <\/b>Possibly the most passionate fan base in the tournament.<\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<div>\n<h3>\u26bd Ivory Coast<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span><b>Rhode Island match: <\/b>House Majority Leader <b>Katherine Kazarian<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><b>What to know: <\/b>The Daily Mirror describes them as \u201cthe chaotic, youthful wildcard with everything to prove.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<div>\n<h3>\u26bd Czechia<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span><b>Rhode Island match: <\/b>Warwick Mayor <b>Frank Picozzi<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><b>What to know: <\/b>Resilient, not flashy.<\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<div>\n<h3>\u26bd Paraguay<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span><b>Rhode Island match: <\/b>2022 Republican gubernatorial nominee<b> Ashley Kalus<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><b>What to know: <\/b>Loves to muck it up.<\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<div>\n<h3>\u26bd Egypt<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span><b>Rhode Island match: <\/b>Attorney general candidate <b>Keith Hoffmann<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><b>What to know: <\/b>Poised for a breakout.<\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<div>\n<h3>\u26bd Ghana<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span><b>Rhode Island match: <\/b>Senate Minority Leader <b>Jessica de la Cruz<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><b>What to know: <\/b>Young, explosive, lots of potential.<\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<div>\n<h3>\u26bd Algeria<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span><b>Rhode Island match: <\/b>State Representative and attorney general candidate <b>Joe Solomon Jr.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><b>What to know: <\/b>Calculating, stingy defense with potential to pull an upset.<\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<div>\n<h3>\u26bd South Korea<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span><b>Rhode Island match: <\/b>Pawtucket Mayor <b>Don Grebien<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><b>What to know: <\/b>Counter-attacking squad with loads of talent, but concerns about recent form.<\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<div>\n<h3>\u26bd Bosnia and Herzegovina<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span><b>Rhode Island match: <\/b>Central Falls Mayor <b>Maria Rivera<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><b>What to know:<\/b>Lots of fans pulling for them.<\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<div>\n<h3>\u26bd Tunisia<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span><b>Rhode Island match: <\/b>Senate Minority Leader <b>Frank Ciccone<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><b>What to know: <\/b>Considered soccer\u2019s ultimate survivalists.<\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<div>\n<h3>\u26bd Australia<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span><b>Rhode Island match: <\/b>Providence Councilwoman and lieutenant gubernatorial candidate <b>Sue AnderBois<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><b>What to know:<\/b>Fast-attacking with an ability to play spoiler.<\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<div>\n<h3>\u26bd Iran<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span><b>Rhode Island match:<\/b> Former Providence mayor <b>Jorge Elorza<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><b>What to know: <\/b>Knows how to make waves.<\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<div>\n<h3>\u26bd Congo DR<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span><b>Rhode Island match: <\/b>House Minority Leader <b>Michael Chippendale<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><b>What to know: <\/b>Underrated, stingy on defense.<\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<div>\n<h3>\u26bd Saudi Arabia<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span><b>Rhode Island match: <\/b>East Providence Mayor <b>Bob DaSilva<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><b>What to know:<\/b>Technically savvy with the ability to surprise.<\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<div>\n<h3>\u26bd South Africa<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span><b>Rhode Island match: <\/b>Lieutenant gubernatorial candidate <b>John Loughlin<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><b>What to know: <\/b>Intriguing, technical, and experienced.<\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<div>\n<h3>\u26bd Panama<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span><b>Rhode Island match: <\/b>Lieutenant gubernatorial candidate <b>Cindy Coyne<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><b>What to know: <\/b>Scrappy underdog in a tough group.<\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<div>\n<h3>\u26bd Cape Verde<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span><b>Rhode Island match:<\/b> Gubernatorial candidate <b>Elaine Pelino<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><b>What to know: <\/b>Just happy to be here.<\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<div>\n<h3>\u26bd Qatar<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span><b>Rhode Island match: <\/b>State Representative and attorney general candidate <b>Jason Knight<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><b>What to know: <\/b>Underdog with a chip on its shoulder.<\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<div>\n<h3>\u26bd Uzbekistan<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span><b>Rhode Island match: <\/b>State Senator <b>Sam Bell<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><b>What to know: <\/b>Loves a good fight.<\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<div>\n<h3>\u26bd New Zealand<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span><b>Rhode Island match: <\/b>Rhode Island GOP Chairman <b>Allyn Meyers<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><b>What to know: <\/b>Building for the future.<\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<div>\n<h3>\u26bd Iraq<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span><b>Rhode Island match: <\/b>Congressional candidate<b> Dr. Stephen Skoly<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><b>What to know: <\/b>Stubborn on defense, nothing to lose.<\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<div>\n<h3>\u26bd Jordan<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span><b>Rhode Island match: <\/b>Congressional candidate <b>Vic Mellor<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><b>What to know: <\/b>Tricky to predict with a chance to turn heads.<\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<div>\n<h3>\u26bd Curacao<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span><b>Rhode Island match: <\/b>Gubernatorial candidate<b> Greg Stevens<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><b>What to know: <\/b>No chance to advance, but still in the field.<\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<div>\n<h3>\u26bd Haiti<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span><b>Rhode Island match: <\/b>Senate candidate <b>Connor Burbridge<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><b>What to know: <\/b>Longest of longshots. Nothing to do but improve.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><i>This story first appeared in Rhode Map, our free newsletter about Rhode Island that also contains information about local events, links to interesting stories, and more. If you\u2019d like to receive it via email Monday through Friday, <\/i><i>you can sign up here<\/i><i>.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Read more <a href=\"https:\/\/bostonrelocationinsider.com\/?p=2468\">House vote to extend FISA spy tool fails and it could lapse as Friday deadline looms<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>To celebrate the World Cup, Globe columnist Dan McGowan has assigned each of the 48 tournament teams to a Rhode Island political figure, confidently making comparisons that are based on little more than vibes.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2473,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2474","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sport"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>\u26bd If World Cup teams were Rhode Island power players - 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