The Ghana Football Association has officially announced that Providence, Rhode Island, will serve as the base camp for the Ghana Men’s National Team during the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026™, with Bryant University designated as the team’s training site.
This marks a historic moment as the Black Stars prepare for their fifth FIFA World Cup appearance. Providence officials have warmly welcomed the team, highlighting the significance of hosting a globally recognized squad.
“Rhode Island is honored to welcome The Black Stars,” said General Treasurer and Ocean State 2026 Chairman James Diossa. “They are a talented team with great depth and some young stars. It will be exciting to watch them make their fifth FIFA World Cup appearance and our state will be invested in their success knowing how they made Bryant University as their first choice in the selection process.”
Bryant University: World-Class Training Facilities
Bryant University will provide the Black Stars with access to a 43,000-square-foot field house along with state-of-the-art training, recovery, and wellness facilities. “Bryant University is honored to welcome the Ghana Men’s National Team and to serve as its training base for the FIFA World Cup 2026,” said Bryant President Dr. Ross Gittell. “It is a recognition of Bryant’s best-in-class facilities and the global appeal of our campus and university. We look forward to the partnerships, the visibility, and the enthusiasm that this opportunity will bring to Rhode Island, New England, and well beyond.”
Training sessions will be closed to the public, but the Ghana Football Association is planning community programming for young players in Rhode Island. Rhode Island Sports Commission Executive Director Jonathan Walker added, “We’re working hard to ensure that the FIFA World Cup leaves behind a legacy of passion for the sport and a commitment to growing the game of soccer in Rhode Island. Partnering with the Black Stars will fuel these young players’ passion.”
Local Support and Excitement
Governor McKee expressed pride in hosting the Black Stars: “Hosting this team highlights Rhode Island on the international stage and will help build on our record-breaking tourism numbers, bringing even more visitors to our state. We look forward to working with our partners in Massachusetts and across New England to ensure a safe, exciting, and memorable summer for players and fans alike.”
Mayor Brett Smiley invited fans and families to engage with the event, saying, “Today we announce that Ghana will be staying in Providence, and we’d also like to extend an invitation to the fans and families to come to our city. We are committed to being a festive destination for soccer fans from around the world and look forward to announcing our fan experience plans.”
Congressman Gabe Amo added his excitement: “I’m thrilled that Bryant University will be the team’s Base Camp training site for their FIFA World Cup 2026 run. I hope they will take advantage of all our great state has to offer, and I cannot wait to cheer on these talented athletes.”
Black Stars’ World Cup Schedule
The FIFA World Cup 2026, the largest tournament in history, will take place from June 11 to July 19 across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Ghana has been drawn into Group L, where they will face:
Panama – June 17 (Toronto)
England – June 23 (Boston)
Croatia – June 27 (Philadelphia)
Having reached the quarterfinals in 2010, the Black Stars aim to make another memorable run on football’s biggest stage. The selection of Providence and Bryant University as the official base camp provides the team with world-class facilities, strategic preparation, and a supportive environment as they pursue success in FIFA World Cup 2026.
