Black Stars Arrive in Rhode Island Ahead of World Cup

The Ghanaian national football team, the Black Stars, touched down in Providence, Rhode Island, on June 12, 2026, as they entered the final phase of their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The squad departed Virginia on Thursday afternoon and arrived at T.F. Green International Airport around 6:00 p.m., concluding 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 cutting-edge facilities. The team plans to transition to Toronto on June 15, just two days prior to their World Cup opener against Panama on June 17 at BMO Field. The Bryant University field house, recently opened, features a 43,000-square-foot training area with specialized recovery and sports medicine facilities, providing an optimal environment for Head Coach Carlos Queiroz as he prepares his tactical setups for the demanding group stage.

The Virginia training camp encompassed intensive sessions held at American University and the D.C. United training complex. The camp concluded with a farewell dinner featuring members of the Ghanaian community in Alexandria. Team captain Jordan Ayew highlighted the significant challenges ahead during a send-off event. "We have three massive games for us, and we want to make you guys proud, want to make Ghana proud," Ayew stated. He also acknowledged the tough road ahead, but expressed hope that with support from fans, the team could find success.

Queiroz's squad includes players such as Ayew, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Antoine Semenyo, Kamaldeen Sulemana, and Inaki Williams. However, the team will be without star player Mohammed Kudus, who has not fully recovered from a quad injury sustained in January.

The local Ghanaian community in Rhode Island has shown great enthusiasm for the team’s arrival, with organizers planning a range of celebrations that will highlight football, culture, food, and music. An event known as Ghana Community and Culture Day is scheduled for June 20. Providence Mayor Brett Smiley welcomed both the players' families and fans, positioning the city as a vibrant destination.

Rhode Island General Treasurer James Diossa expressed pride in hosting the team, proclaiming, "Rhode Island is honored to welcome the Ghanaian Black Stars. They are a talented team with great depth and some young stars."

Following their match against Panama, Ghana is set to face England in Boston on June 23 and Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27, completing their fixtures in Group L. The squad aims to achieve their first qualification for the World Cup knockout stages since their memorable run in the 2010 tournament held in South Africa. With preparations in the final phase, the Black Stars hope that Rhode Island serves as the ideal starting point for a deep tournament run.