Black Stars Choose Bryant University as World Cup Base Camp
Ghana’s Black Stars have officially selected Bryant University as their base camp for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, according to NBC 10 News.
With the tournament less than four months away, the senior national team will use the university’s Smithfield campus to fine-tune preparations ahead of what is expected to be a demanding group-stage campaign.
The partnership is set to be formally unveiled by Ocean State 2026 at a scheduled news conference later this week. The announcement is being described as a landmark moment for the local community as it prepares to host one of Africa’s most celebrated football nations.
Bryant University’s selection provides the Ghanaian squad access to top-tier athletic facilities in a relatively low-profile environment, away from the intense media scrutiny associated with larger metropolitan areas.
Sources indicate that the institution’s modern training pitches and residence halls played a decisive role in the decision to establish pre-tournament operations in Rhode Island.
Ghana heads into the competition with renewed ambition after being drawn in Group L alongside formidable opponents. The Black Stars will face:
* England – Former champions and perennial contenders.
* Croatia – Recent finalists renowned for their technically gifted midfield.
* Panama – A resilient side eager to make its mark on the global stage.
The 2026 tournament will mark Ghana’s fifth appearance at the World Cup, underlining the country’s consistent presence among Africa’s elite footballing nations.
The nation’s most iconic World Cup moment remains the 2010 tournament in South Africa, where the Black Stars reached the quarter-finals before suffering a heartbreaking exit to Uruguay, narrowly missing the chance to become the first African side to advance to the semi-finals.
By choosing Rhode Island as their temporary base, Ghana joins a growing list of international teams opting for high-performance environments in the United States to acclimatise ahead of major global competitions.
The team’s presence is expected to generate significant international attention for Smithfield and the wider Rhode Island area. Local businesses and football enthusiasts are already anticipating the arrival of the squad, with plans likely to include open training sessions and community engagement activities.
Further details regarding the duration of the team’s stay, as well as security and logistical arrangements between the Ghana Football Association and local authorities, are expected to be announced at the upcoming press conference.
