Rhode Island just scored a major win for the 2026 World Cup. Ghana's national team, the Black Stars, will call Providence home during the tournament.
The Ocean State is positioning itself as a smart alternative to pricey Boston. It's only 30 miles from Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, where seven World Cup matches will be played, including a quarterfinal. Providence Mayor Brett Smiley is rolling out the welcome mat for fans and families from around the world.
The local Ghanaian community is absolutely buzzing. Kwame Larbi, president of the Ghana Association of Rhode Island, says this is huge for representation. The Black Stars embody everything Ghanaian - pride, strength, and perseverance.
England Clash Looms Large
Ghana faces a massive test against England on June 23. Larbi and the Rhode Island Ghanaian community plan to show up in force with traditional dances, drums, and flags. He's already got his Ghana shirts ready after a recent trip home.
This marks Ghana's fifth World Cup appearance. Their best run came in 2010 when they reached the quarterfinals before that heartbreaking handball incident against Uruguay knocked them out. Now they're loaded with Premier League talent like Mohammed Kudus at Tottenham and Antoine Semenyo at Manchester City.
Larbi is confident about their chances. "We are going to beat England," he says. That's bold talk, but Ghana has pulled off upsets before. If you're looking at the betting markets, don't sleep on the Black Stars as a potential dark horse.
Community Ready to Celebrate
Congressman Gabe Amo, whose father is from Ghana, says immigrants and their kids will feel something special. He's already getting ticket requests from his dad. Fans from Worcester and New York City are expected to join Rhode Islanders for a vibrant atmosphere.
Training sessions will be closed to the public, but Ghana's football association is planning events with local youth players. Jonathan Walker of the Rhode Island Sports Commission hopes this creates a lasting soccer legacy in the state.
For Larbi, who's lived in Rhode Island for over 40 years, this is surreal. The community is ready to cook up some jollof rice for the team. Rhode Island gets to showcase its summer charm, food scene, and people to Ghana and the world.
