Bryant University selected as potential 2026 FIFA World Cup base camp

SMITHFIELD, R.I. — Bryant University has been selected as an option for a base camp for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, making it the only potential official training site in New England.

Bryant was featured in FIFA’s official base camp brochure, which lists approved training and accommodation sites for participating international teams.

Nearby Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts, will host seven World Cup matches next summer. It is one of 16 locations across the United States, Canada, and Mexico that will be chosen for the tournament.

Earlier this year, Rhode Island launched Ocean State 2026, a nonprofit dedicated to ensuring the state maximizes the economic and tourism opportunities the World Cup is expected to bring to the region.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be one of the biggest sporting events in history, and the first tournament ever to be hosted by three countries: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The event will feature 48 national teams, expanding from the traditional 32, marking the largest World Cup to date.

Spanning 16 host cities, the tournament will showcase matches in iconic stadiums such as MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, AT&T Stadium in Texas, SoFi Stadium in California, and Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. This expansion aims to bring the world’s most popular sport to more fans across North America than ever before.

The 2026 World Cup promises a massive economic boost, with millions of visitors expected to travel across the continent. Local economies are gearing up for increased tourism, hotel stays, and cultural events tied to the month-long celebration of global soccer.