Rhode Island chosen as World Cup base camp for Ghana

SMITHFIELD, R.I. — The Ghana Football Association announced Thursday that Ghana’s men’s national team will train at Bryant University during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Bryant was selected as the team’s official training site, in part because of its new 43,000-square-foot field house that opened last year and attracted the attention of FIFA officials.

Bryant President Dr. Ross Gittell said the university is “honored to welcome the Ghana Men’s National Team and to serve as its training base for the FIFA World Cup 2026.”

Practices at Bryant will be closed to the public. However, the GFA plans to organize community programs for young players, with more details expected soon.

Meanwhile, Gillette Stadium, which will be known as Boston Stadium during the tournament, is set to host seven World Cup matches. Boston is one of 16 host cities across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The Ghana national football team, known as the Black Stars, is one of Africa’s most successful soccer programs. Representing the country of Ghana, the team has qualified for the FIFA World Cup five times and reached the quarterfinals in 2010 — its deepest run in tournament history. Ghana has also won the Africa Cup of Nations four times and continues to produce top players competing in major European leagues.