The Ghana Football Association has confirmed that Bryant University, situated in Smithfield, Rhode Island, will serve as the official base camp for the Black Stars during their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup this summer.
Reports from local U.S. media, including NBC 10 News, along with multiple Ghanaian sports outlets, indicate that the decision follows thorough evaluations and site visits by FIFA officials to ensure compliance with tournament standards.
The Smithfield campus stands out for its calm, residential setting, which helps minimize external interruptions and supports intensive focus on training sessions, tactical work, physical conditioning, and player recovery.
Bryant University features modern athletic infrastructure that has earned recognition in FIFA’s official Base Camp brochure. This includes well-maintained grass pitches meeting specific requirements for blade height and quality, sufficient lighting, secure perimeters, recovery facilities, and additional amenities for team wellness.
The university previously hosted the New England Patriots’ NFL training camp for close to two decades, demonstrating its capability to accommodate high-level professional sports teams.
With the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, match venues will span a wide region. Positioning the camp in Rhode Island provides balanced logistical advantages.
The drive to Boston takes approximately one hour over about 69 miles, making access straightforward to nearby facilities or airports. Philadelphia lies roughly 359 miles away, equating to around four hours by road, while Toronto is about 564 miles distant, involving approximately eight hours of driving.
These distances allow reasonable travel options for friendlies, scouting, or group-stage commitments without exposing the squad to the constant bustle of major urban centers.
As the tournament approaches in less than four months from now, this selection positions the Black Stars to refine their form in a controlled, high-quality environment. Ghana has been placed in Group L alongside England, Croatia, and Panama, adding further context to the need for strategic preparation away from distractions.
The arrangement also brings a spotlight to Rhode Island, marking a notable moment for the local community as it welcomes one of Africa’s prominent football nations.