Ghana’s Black Stars have officially chosen Bryant University in Smithfield, Rhode Island, as their base camp ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup, according to NBC 10 News.
Base camp and preparations
The Ghanaian squad will utilise the university’s modern training facilities and residence halls to fine-tune preparations away from heavy media scrutiny. The partnership is expected to be formally announced by Ocean State 2026 at a news conference within the week.
The move offers the Black Stars a high-performance environment to prepare for the tournament, which is less than four months away, allowing them to focus on conditioning, tactics, and team cohesion.
World Cup group
Ghana has been drawn into Group L, a challenging pool comprising:
England: Former champions and consistent contenders.
Croatia: Recent finalists with strong midfield capabilities.
Panama: A resilient team capable of surprising stronger sides.
This marks Ghana’s fifth World Cup appearance, building on their memorable 2010 campaign in South Africa, where they reached the quarter-finals, narrowly missing a semi-final berth after a dramatic match against Uruguay.
Local impact
The team’s residency is expected to generate significant international attention for Smithfield and Rhode Island, with potential benefits including:
Boost to local businesses from visiting fans and media.
Community engagement activities, including open training sessions.
Increased visibility for Rhode Island as a destination for international sports teams preparing for global competitions.
A formal announcement will provide details on the length of stay, security protocols, and logistical arrangements, coordinated by the Ghana Football Association and local authorities.
The selection underscores a growing trend of international football teams leveraging U.S. facilities to prepare for major tournaments in optimal conditions.
