GFA and Bryant University forge key World Cup alliance ahead of global showpiece in North America

Top officials from Bryant University, the designated base camp for Ghana’s senior national team, have paid a high-level strategic visit to the Ghana Football Association (GFA) as preparations intensify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The delegation, led by Vice President for Athletics and Recreation William Smith, held productive discussions with GFA leadership on Monday, April 27, 2026, at the Association’s headquarters. The engagement underscores a shared commitment to ensuring world-class preparations for the Black Stars ahead of football’s biggest global spectacle.
Welcoming the delegation, General Secretary Prosper Harrison Addo reaffirmed the GFA’s dedication to building strong international partnerships that enhance performance, planning, and operational excellence.
Discussions were led by the GFA’s Director of Marketing, Jamil Maraby, in collaboration with representatives from Rhode Island—famously known as “The Ocean State.”

At the heart of the meeting were detailed preparations for the team’s arrival, accommodation, and training setup in Rhode Island. Bryant University is set to provide elite, state-of-the-art facilities, including top-tier training pitches, advanced recovery centers, and comprehensive wellness infrastructure—ensuring the Black Stars are fully equipped for peak performance.
The meeting also brought together key figures from the university, including Dr. Edi Tebaldi, Vice President for Strategy and Partnerships, and Liz Tanner, Executive Director of Ocean State, alongside other officials.
Representing the GFA were Head of Business Development Janice Odonkor and Senior Communication Manager and Media Attaché at the Office of the President, Patrick Akoto.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup—scheduled from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico—will be the largest in the tournament’s history. Ghana heads into the competition for its fifth appearance, carrying the weight of a proud football heritage, highlighted by a historic quarterfinal run in 2010.
Drawn in Group L, the Black Stars will face the Panama national football team on June 17 in Toronto, the England national football team on June 23 in Boston, and the Croatia national football team on June 27 in Philadelphia.

The engagement is a decisive step toward ensuring the Black Stars arrive on the world stage fully prepared, focused and ready to compete among football’s elite.