Why Ghana chose to base at Bryant University for World Cup - Ampofo Ankrah explains

The Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, has disclosed that the quality of sporting facilities and the artistic impression at Bryant University influenced the decision to select it as the Black Stars’ base during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

He indicated that, apart from the sporting aspect, the nightlife and tourist attractions around the venue were additional factors the Ghana Football Association (GFA) considered in making the choice.

Speaking with Bryant University officials who visited Ghana to strengthen ties ahead of the tournament, Ampofo Ankrah noted that previous World Cup experiences guided their selection.

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“It is very important. I’m sure we know the history of Rhode Island in terms of the arts, culture, restaurants, nightlife, tourism, sports, and education. I think this will be a great venue for the Black Stars. They will prepare very well. That’s one thing, it’s very hospitable. And this is Ghana’s fifth World Cup, 20 years after Germany 2006."

“So we would have learned a lot from those past World Cups. This time around, the FA knows exactly what we want and what we don’t want. Having Bryant University as the home of the team makes sense and makes it easier. I’m very happy that this partnership and collaboration has been concluded, and I look forward to a very exciting countdown and tournament itself,” he said.

Edinaldo Tebaldi, Vice President for Strategy and Partnerships at Bryant University, thanked the GFA for the selection and promised a good experience at their facilities.

“Bryant University submitted an application to serve as a base camp, and FIFA selected us after the African teams qualified for the World Cup. Ghana then chose us, which is a great honour. That is why we took the opportunity to visit the country, because we were selected by Ghana,” he said.

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Meanwhile, watch as Carlos Queiroz, is unveiled as Black Stars coach