Ghana Black Stars Launch Final 2026 World Cup Training Camp in United States

Ghana’s national football team, the Black Stars, have officially touched down in Washington, D.C., to begin their final phase of preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Following a flight from Cardiff, the squad was met with a warm reception from local fans and High Commission staff before moving to their primary training base at Bryant University in Rhode Island. This intensive camp marks a critical juncture for the team as they transition from preliminary qualifiers to the focused tactical execution required for the global tournament.

Under the leadership of head coach Carlos Queiroz, the team is working to build on the momentum of a recent 1-1 draw against Wales, a result that successfully halted a disappointing streak of losses. The squad features a strategic blend of veteran leadership and emerging talent, led by Captain Jordan Ayew and midfield stalwart Thomas Partey. Despite some lingering injury concerns within the 26-player roster, the coaching staff has prioritized high-intensity drills and physical conditioning to ensure the team is prepared for the rigorous demands of the group stage.

The Black Stars' itinerary in the United States includes a series of formal training sessions followed by a final warm-up match against Jamaica scheduled for June 10. This friendly will serve as the ultimate dress rehearsal before the team travels to Toronto for their tournament opener against Panama on June 17. The path ahead remains challenging, as Ghana occupies Group L, which also features high-profile fixtures against England in Boston and Croatia in Philadelphia.

The 2026 campaign carries significant weight for Ghana as they seek to redeem themselves after group-stage exits in 2014 and 2022. The primary objective for Queiroz’s men is to secure a place in the knockout rounds—a feat the Black Stars have not achieved since their historic run to the quarter-finals in 2010. With high expectations from the Ghanaian community both at home and abroad, these final preparations in the U.S. are seen as vital to restoring the nation’s status as a dominant force in global football.