The World Cup team base camp is crucial for every participating team’s training for the 2026 tournament.
Behind the goals, drama, and unforgettable moments lies meticulous preparation.
Each of the 48 teams playing on football’s biggest stage must be ready.
For fans, the stadiums are the epicenter of football’s biggest spectacle. For teams, the base camps are where strategies are refined and developed.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, emphasizes team-based camps even more.
Understanding the role of base camps helps us see the World Cup from the inside, from a team perspective.
Explore World Cup tickets, schedules, and details about qualified teams as you anticipate updates on your favorite team’s official base camp for the tournament.
Early beginnings of World Cup team base camps
The concept of FIFA World Cup 2026 team-based camps has evolved significantly since the early tournaments.
During the first FIFA World Cups of the 1930s, logistics were simpler. Teams stayed in nearby hotels or club facilities, with little focus on long-term preparation.
Travel was minimal then. The smaller scale of the event allowed for basic accommodation.
By 1966, in England, base camps grew more structured. Teams were assigned specific hotels and training fields close to venues.
The 2006 World Cup in Germany is remembered for FIFA designating training centers and hotels as team base camps. This created a model for future tournaments.
FIFA World Cup 2026 team base camps
| City | Country | Training Site | Paired Hotel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandria | United States | Episcopal High School | Hotel AKA, Alexandria |
| Atlanta | United States | Atlanta United Training Centre | JW Marriott Atlanta Buckhead |
| Atlanta | United States | Kennesaw State University | InterContinenta Buckhead |
| Birmingham | United States | Birmingham Legion FC Training Facility | Hyatt Regency, The Wynfrey |
| Boise | United States | Boise State University | To be determined |
| Chapel Hill | United States | UNC Chapel Hill | Sheraton Chapel Hill |
| Chattanooga | United States | Baylor School | The Read House |
| Cincinnati | United States | FC Cincinnati | Renaissance Cincinnati Dr. Hotel |
| Colorado Springs | United States | US Air Force Academy | Hotel Polaris at the U.S. Academy |
| Columbia | United States | University of South Carolina | Marriott Columbia |
| Columbus | United States | Columbus Crew Performance Centre | Le Meridien Columbus |
| Dallas | United States | DBU | Westin Dallas Downtown |
| Dallas | United States | FC Dallas Stadium | Renaissance Dallas at Plano Legacy West |
| Dallas | United States | University of Dallas | Omni Las Colinas Hotel |
| Dallas-Denton | United States | University of North Texas | Embassy Suites by Hilton Convention Center |
| Dallas Fort-Worth | United States | TCU | Sheraton Fort Worth Downtown Hotel |
| Greater Lansing | United States | Michigan State University | To be determined |
| Green Bay | United States | Labeau Field | Lodge Kohler |
| Greensboro | United States | UNC Greensboro | Grandover Resort & Spa Wyndham Grand Hotel |
| Guadalajara | Mexico | Chivas Verde Valle | Hard Rock Hotel Guadalajara |
| Herriman | United States | RSL Training Centre | RSL Training Academy Residemce |
| High Point | United States | Carolina Core Elite Performance Centre | Kimpton Cardinal |
| Houston | United States | Houston Sports Park | Omni Houston Hotel |
| Indianapolis-Westfield | United States | Grand Park Sports Complex | Renaissance Indianapolis Hotel |
| Irvine | United States | Great Park Sports Complex | Marriott Irvine Spectrum |
| Kansas City | United States | Sporting KC Training Centre | Sheraton Overland Park |
| Kansas City | United States | University of Kansas | Stonehill Lawrence, Trade Collection by Wydham |
| Kansas City | United States | KC Current Training Facility | Hotel Kansas City – The Unbound Collection by Hyatt |
| Louisville | United States | Louisville City | Omni Louisville Hotel |
| Macon | United States | Mercer University | Macon Marriott City Center |
| Mesa | United States | Arizona Athletic Grounds | Courtyard Mesa at Wrigleyville West |
| Metro Detroit | United States | Oakland University | Detroit Marriott Troy |
| Mexico City | Mexico | Centro de Alto Rendimiento (CAR) | On-site accommodation (CAR) |
| Mexico City | Mexico | La Nueva Casa del Futbol – Toluca | Double Tree by Hilton Toluca |
| Monterrey | United States | Rayados Training Centre | The Westin Monterrey Valle |
| New York New Jersey – Atlantic City | United States | Stockton University | Sheraton Atlantic City Convention Center Hotel |
| Orlando | United States | Orlando City SC Training Grounds at Osceola Heritage Park | Lake Nona Wave Hotel |
| Pachuca | Mexico | CF Pachuca – Estadio Hidalgo | Fiesta Inn Pachuca Gran Patio |
| Pachuca | Mexico | CF Pachuca – Universidad del Futbol | Camino Real Pachuca |
| Palm Beach Gardens | United States | Gardens North County District Park | To be determined |
| Philadelphia | United States | Philadelphia Union | Hotel Du Pont |
| Port St. Lucie | United States | RPS Soccer Academy | Sandpiper Bay Resort |
| Renton | United States | Seattle Sounders FC Performance Centre and Clubhouse | Hyatt regency Lake Washington at Seattle’s Southport |
| San Antonio | United States | San Antonio Stadium | Kimpto Santo Hotel |
| Spokane | United States | Gonzaga University | To be determined |
| St. Louis | United States | St. Louis City High Performance Centre | The Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza St. Louis |
| St. Louis | United States | Saint Louis University | Magnolia Hotel St. Louis |
| Tampa | United States | Waters Sportsplex | Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay |
| Tucson | United States | Kino Sports Complex | Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort and Spa |
| *bold indicates new Team Base Camp options | Source: FIFA.com |
Criteria for picking a city/venue that’s a non-host at the FIFA World Cup
Selecting World Cup 2026 base camps in cities and venues that are not hosts is a highly strategic process.
Unlike match venues, which are predetermined by FIFA, teams often have the flexibility to select their base camp.
FIFA provides a list of approved training centers and hotels, and federations choose the option that best suits their needs.
Location, training facilities, and accommodation standards all matter here.
For non-host cities, being chosen as a team base camp is an honor, as it puts them on the global map.
Expansion of FIFA World Cup 2026 team base camps for 48-team event
The 2026 World Cup marks the biggest expansion in tournament history. It is growing from 32 to 48 teams.
This means more matches, more players, and, more importantly, more team base camps.
For the United States, Mexico, and Canada, the challenge had been to create a diverse selection of base camps across three vast countries.
Additionally, smaller cities and regions that are not hosting matches can participate in the World Cup by serving as training hubs for teams.
Ultimately, this expansion ensures base camps will be more central to the World Cup experience than ever before.
See also:
- Hotels near NRG Stadium (Houston)
- Hotels near Geha Field at Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas)
- Hotels near SoFi Stadium (Los Angeles)
- Hotels near Hard Rock Stadium (Miami): Ultimate Guide for Visitors
- Hotels near MetLife Stadium (New York/New Jersey): Stay close for FIFA World Cup 2026
- Hotels near Philadelphia: Boost your 2026 FIFA World Cup journey
Related:
FIFA base camps 2026 first batches unveiled
The buildup to every World Cup includes the much-anticipated announcement of base camp locations.
FIFA released its first batch of confirmed team base camps in June and November 2024, well ahead of the tournament.
Additionally, FIFA’s brochure announcement featured 26 new options in the U.S. – including Boise, Colorado Springs, Columbus, Greensboro, Orlando, Tampa, and Tucson – as well as Guadalajara in Mexico.
Similarly, host cities Houston and New York/New Jersey have added new potential sites.
Then, teams will submit their final selections following the World Cup final draw on December 5, 2025, at the Kennedy Center in Washington.
Latest wave of FIFA World Cup 2026 team base camps show 14 new options
FIFA released its latest wave of World Cup 2026 team base camps in April 2025, featuring 14 new options.
The new list includes 11 cities outside the host cities. However, these cities are still geographically connected to the stadiums where matches will be played.
Additionally, three in FIFA’s World Cup 2026 host cities were included – one in Guadalajara (Mexico), one in Dallas – Mansfield, and one in New York, New Jersey.
Among the non-host options in the latest list are Pachuca in Mexico, along with Boca Raton, Greenbrier County, Myrtle Beach, Oklahoma City (two locations), Port St. Lucie, St. Louis (two locations), and Tucson in the United States.
Expect FIFA to make more updates to its team base camps brochure within 2025.
What future holds for FIFA World Cup 2026 team base camps
Looking ahead, the role of team base camps is only set to grow in importance.
With the World Cup expanding and FIFA emphasizing the importance of athlete welfare and sustainability, we anticipate increasingly advanced base camps in the future.
Expect smart training facilities with data-driven performance monitoring. Additionally, consider eco-conscious hotels that minimize their carbon footprint.
Additionally, team-based camps could increase fan engagement through open training sessions or cultural exchange events.
Ultimately, the team base camp is no longer just a logistical necessity – it is part of the identity of the World Cup experience.
World Cup team base camp: In retrospect
Team base camps at the 2026 FIFA World Cup witness hours of preparation by players, coaches, and staff.
From simple accommodations to high-performance training hubs, team base camps show football’s evolution. Now, every detail matters.
Each camp serves as a home base, a fortress of preparation, and a space where dreams are nurtured and cultivated.
On World Cup bases, the beautiful game reminds us that it extends far beyond the pitch. The world braces for the 2026 World Cup, and one truth is clear: every team’s journey to greatness begins at its base camp.
Visit our FIFA World Cup 2026 website for the latest football news, essential updates, and unbeatable tips to plan your perfect World Cup adventure.
