Ghana’s national football team, the Black Stars, have arrived in Providence, Rhode Island, marking the beginning of the final phase of their preparations ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The squad departed Virginia on Thursday afternoon and touched down at T.F. Green International Airport at approximately 6:00 p.m., bringing an end to a productive week-long training camp in the Washington area.
The Black Stars will use Bryant University in Smithfield as their official base camp, training at the university’s world-class facilities before making the move to Toronto on June 15 – just two days before their World Cup opener against Panama on June 17 at BMO Field.
Bryant University’s recently dedicated 43,000-square-foot field house features elite training, recovery, and sports medicine spaces designed to support high-performance athletes – exactly the kind of environment Head Coach Carlos Queiroz needs as he fine-tunes his tactical setup ahead of a demanding group stage.
The Virginia camp included intensive sessions at American University and the D.C. United training ground, capped by a warm farewell dinner with the Ghanaian community in Alexandria.
Captain Jordan Ayew, speaking at a send-off event, acknowledged the scale of the challenge ahead while urging supporters to back the team.
“We have three massive games for us, and we want to make you guys proud, want to make Ghana proud,” Ayew said.
“Obviously, it’s not going to be easy, but with your prayers and your support, hopefully we’ll be successful.”
Queiroz’s squad includes Ayew, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Antoine Semenyo, Kamaldeen Sulemana, and Inaki Williams, though a notable absentee is Tottenham Hotspur star Mohammed Kudus, who has not recovered from a quad injury sustained in January.
Rhode Island’s Ghanaian community has been eagerly anticipating the team’s arrival, with local organizers planning a series of celebrations blending football, culture, food, and music – including a Ghana Community and Culture Day on June 20.
Providence Mayor Brett Smiley has also extended a warm welcome to players’ families and supporters, positioning the city as a festive destination for fans.
Rhode Island General Treasurer James Diossa expressed pride in hosting the side, saying:
“Rhode Island is honored to welcome the Ghanaian Black Stars. They are a talented team with great depth and some young stars.”
After Panama, Ghana will face England in Boston on June 23 and Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27 to complete Group L fixtures.
The squad enters the competition seeking its first qualification for the World Cup knockout stages since the memorable 2010 tournament in South Africa.
With preparations now in their final phase, the Black Stars will be hoping Rhode Island provides the perfect launchpad for a deep run in the tournament.