California to Host Seven Nations' World Cup Base Camps in 2026
Seven countries have selected California as their base camp location for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, more than any other U.S. state, with teams training in cities including San Francisco, Santa Barbara, San Diego, and San Jose. The 2026 tournament will be the largest World Cup in history, featuring 48 teams across 16 host cities in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. California's selection reflects its advantages in weather, training facilities, international airport connectivity, and established soccer culture.
Seven nations—Australia, Austria, Qatar, New Zealand, Switzerland, Paraguay, and the United States—have chosen California locations for their 2026 FIFA World Cup base camps, the highest concentration in any U.S. state. The teams will train at facilities including the Oakland Roots/Soul Training Facility, UC Santa Barbara, and the Great Park Sports Complex in Irvine. Teams spent years evaluating factors including weather conditions, travel logistics, training facilities, hotel accommodations, and proximity to group-stage venues. California's mild coastal temperatures, world-class training infrastructure, seamless international airport connections, and strong soccer culture made it an attractive choice for many nations. Other World Cup favorites selected bases elsewhere, with Argentina, England, and the Netherlands choosing Kansas City; Brazil selecting New Jersey; France based in Boston; and Spain settling in Tennessee.
What different sources said
- New York PostRight
Seven World Cup teams will call California home this summer
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