The management of the Black Stars has expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Rhode Island Sheriff’s Department and the Providence Security Team for their outstanding professionalism, dedication and support throughout Ghana’s stay in Providence during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
After spending nearly three weeks in the American state, the Black Stars have now departed for Kansas City, where they will continue their World Cup journey with a crucial Round of 32 encounter against Colombia.
The Ghana Football Association described the support received from local authorities as exceptional, highlighting the role they played in ensuring the team enjoyed a safe, secure and comfortable environment throughout its stay.
As the Black Stars prepare for the biggest match of their campaign so far, the team says it leaves Rhode Island with gratitude and fond memories after receiving tremendous hospitality from both officials and members of the Ghanaian community.
A warm welcome in Providence
Ghana arrived in Rhode Island on June 11 after completing earlier phases of its World Cup preparations in Cardiff, Wales, and Virginia in the United States.
The move to Providence marked the beginning of the team’s final preparations before the opening matches of the tournament.
During their stay, the Black Stars established their base at Providence by Hilton, where players, coaches and officials were accommodated throughout the group stage of the competition.
Training sessions were held at Bryant University, whose facilities provided the ideal environment for Carlos Queiroz and his technical staff to prepare the squad for one of the biggest tournaments in world football.
The combination of quality accommodation, excellent training facilities and a welcoming atmosphere helped create a stable environment in which the players could fully focus on football.
Special appreciation for security personnel
One of the standout aspects of Ghana’s stay was the professionalism displayed by local security agencies. In a statement, the management of the Black Stars extended special thanks to both the Rhode Island Sheriff’s Department and the Providence Security Team for their commitment and selfless service during the team’s time in the state.
Security plays an essential role during major international tournaments. National teams require safe transport between hotels, training grounds and stadiums while also ensuring that players can prepare without unnecessary distractions.
According to the Black Stars management, the Rhode Island authorities handled these responsibilities with exceptional professionalism.
Their work allowed the players and technical staff to concentrate entirely on preparing for matches against Panama, England and Croatia.
A home away from home
Head coach Carlos Queiroz paid tribute to the city of Providence, describing the experience as one the team will always remember.
“The hospitality in Providence made it a home away from home,” Queiroz said.
Those words reflected the atmosphere surrounding the Black Stars throughout their stay. Although thousands of kilometres away from Ghana, the players consistently felt welcomed by residents and local officials who embraced the team from the moment it arrived.
Creating a comfortable environment during a World Cup can make a significant difference to a team’s performances.
Long periods away from family, intense media attention and the pressure of competing on the world’s biggest football stage can affect players mentally. Having a peaceful and supportive base helped Ghana remain focused throughout the group stage.
Support from the Ghanaian community
Another major highlight of Ghana’s stay in Rhode Island was the overwhelming support from the Ghanaian community living across New England.
Throughout the tournament, hundreds of supporters travelled to training sessions, public appearances and community events to encourage the Black Stars.
Players frequently interacted with fans, signed autographs and took photographs, strengthening the connection between the national team and Ghanaians living abroad.
The passionate support reminded the squad that they were representing millions of people, both back home and across the world.
For many members of the Ghanaian diaspora, seeing the Black Stars in person during the World Cup became an unforgettable experience.
Likewise, the players repeatedly acknowledged how much that encouragement motivated them throughout the competition.
Building momentum at the World Cup
Rhode Island also became the backdrop for one of Ghana’s strongest World Cup group-stage campaigns in recent years.
Under Carlos Queiroz, the Black Stars produced disciplined and organised performances that secured qualification for the knockout rounds.
Ghana began its campaign with a narrow but important 1-0 victory over Panama. That winning start provided valuable confidence and immediately placed the team in a strong position within Group L.
The Black Stars then delivered one of the surprises of the tournament by holding tournament favourites England to a goalless draw.
The disciplined defensive performance earned widespread praise, with Ghana frustrating one of the competition’s strongest attacking teams.
Although Ghana concluded the group stage with a narrow 2-1 defeat to Croatia, qualification for the Round of 32 had already been secured before kick-off thanks to results elsewhere.
The Black Stars ultimately finished third in Group L with four points and advanced under FIFA’s expanded tournament format.
Preparation was key
Behind every strong tournament performance lies extensive preparation. Throughout their stay in Providence, the technical team carefully planned every training session to ensure players remained physically and mentally ready.
Bryant University provided high-quality facilities where the coaching staff refined tactical systems, analysed opponents and managed player workloads.
Recovery sessions, tactical meetings and fitness work all formed part of the daily routine as Ghana prepared for each challenge.
The calm environment away from the spotlight allowed players to recover properly between matches while maintaining full concentration on their objectives.
Journey continues in Kansas City
With the group stage now complete, Ghana has officially left Rhode Island for Kansas City. The Black Stars departed on Wednesday, July 1, as preparations intensified for their highly anticipated Round of 32 encounter against Colombia.
The knockout stages represent an entirely different challenge. Unlike the group phase, where teams have multiple opportunities to recover from setbacks, every knockout match carries the possibility of elimination.
Victory means progression. Defeat means the end of the World Cup journey. That reality has increased the intensity surrounding Ghana’s preparations.
A difficult test awaits
Colombia enter the Round of 32 after finishing top of Group K with an unbeaten record. The South Americans possess significant attacking quality and have established themselves as one of the tournament’s strongest teams.
However, Ghana has repeatedly demonstrated resilience under Carlos Queiroz. The Black Stars have earned praise for their organisation, defensive discipline and dangerous counter-attacking style.
Players including Benjamin Asare, Marvin Senaya, Jonas Adjetey, Jerome Opoku, Kwasi Sibo, Jordan Ayew and Antoine Semenyo have all contributed to Ghana’s encouraging performances. The squad now hopes to build on that momentum when it faces Colombia.
Everything to play for
Friday’s meeting at Kansas City Stadium represents Ghana’s biggest match since reaching the quarter-finals of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
A victory would send the Black Stars into the Round of 16 and move them one step closer to another memorable run on the global stage.
Coach Carlos Queiroz has repeatedly reminded his players that the knockout rounds demand complete concentration, discipline and belief.
The confidence gained during the group stage provides encouragement, but Ghana understands an even higher level will be required against Colombia.
Leaving with gratitude
As the Black Stars begin the next chapter of their World Cup adventure, they do so carrying warm memories of Rhode Island.
From the professionalism of the Rhode Island Sheriff’s Department and the Providence Security Team to the outstanding hospitality shown by local residents and the unwavering support of the Ghanaian community, the team’s stay has left a lasting impression.
The Ghana Football Association summed up those feelings with a simple but heartfelt message:
“We thank Rhode Island for hosting us.”
Now, with Kansas City awaiting and a place in the Round of 16 on the line, the Black Stars turn their full attention to Colombia, hoping the positive experiences and momentum built in Providence will inspire another memorable performance on football’s biggest stage.
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