Ghana’s Black Stars have officially selected Bryant University as the base camp for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, NBC 10 News reports.
With the tournament less than four months away, the Black Stars will utilise the Smithfield campus to fine-tune their preparations for what promises to be a grueling group stage.
The partnership is expected to be formally unveiled by Ocean State 2026 during a scheduled news conference within the week, marking a historic moment for the local community as it prepares to host one of Africa’s most celebrated footballing nations.
The selection of Bryant University provides the Ghanaian squad with top-tier athletic facilities away from the intense media glare of larger metropolitan hubs.
Sources indicate that the university’s infrastructure, including its modern training pitches and residence halls, was a key factor in the decision to anchor their pre-tournament operations in Rhode Island.
Ghana enters the competition with a point to prove after being drawn into Group L. The Black Stars face a daunting path to the knockout rounds, sharing the pool with global heavyweights:
- England: Former champions and perennial contenders.
- Croatia: Recent finalists known for their technical midfield dominance.
- Panama: A resilient side looking to cause an upset on the world stage.
This campaign marks Ghana’s fifth World Cup appearance, a testament to their sustained dominance in African football.
The nation’s most iconic moment remains the 2010 tournament in South Africa, where they captivated the globe by reaching the quarter-finals, falling just short of becoming the first African team to reach a semi-final in a controversial clash against Uruguay.
By choosing Rhode Island as their temporary home, the Black Stars are following a trend of international teams seeking high-performance environments in the United States to acclimatise ahead of major global fixtures.
The presence of the Ghanaian team is expected to bring a surge of international attention to Smithfield and the wider Rhode Island area.
Local businesses and football enthusiasts are already anticipating the arrival of global stars, with the residency likely to include open training sessions and community engagement programmes.
A formal announcement is expected to provide further details regarding the length of the stay and the specific security and logistical arrangements coordinated between the Ghana Football Association and local law enforcement.
