U.S. Soccer announced on Tuesday that the United States will utilize Great Park in Irvine, California, as its designated training base camp for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The USMNT is set to arrive in Irvine after their friendly match against Germany on June 6. This location serves as an excellent starting point for games at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, where they will face Paraguay on June 11 and another opponent yet to be confirmed on June 25.
Additionally, the USMNT will play another group stage match in Seattle on June 19 against Australia.
“We are thrilled to have Great Park as our training facility for the 2026 FIFA World Cup,” stated U.S. Soccer sporting director Matt Crocker. “The amenities are exceptional and will create an ideal training atmosphere for our team to prepare for success at the World Cup.”
Opened in 2017 on the former site of the Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, Great Park Championship Soccer Stadium has a capacity of over 5,000 spectators, with the entire park covering more than 1,300 acres, of which 500 acres have been completed.
A spokesperson for U.S. Soccer noted that the arrangement at Great Park is akin to what the USMNT experienced in Qatar in 2022, as the team will benefit from the stadium setting, although certain improvements will be made regarding gym equipment on-site. The spokesperson also mentioned that medical, rehabilitation, and recovery facilities will primarily be located at the team hotel.
The park features sports fields, picnic areas, playgrounds, walking and biking paths, a historic aircraft display, a carousel, and its well-known tethered helium balloon. Training sessions during the tournament will not be accessible to the public.
“We are privileged that the U.S. Men’s National Team has selected Great Park for their training during the FIFA World Cup,” remarked Mayor Larry Agran. “This choice highlights the quality of the Great Park Championship Soccer Stadium and the professionalism of its staff. Irvine is proud to host players, coaches, and fans from around the globe for one of the most prestigious sporting events worldwide.”
U.S. Soccer also revealed that, as part of establishing the team’s training base camp in Irvine, the Soccer Forward Foundation, U.S. Soccer’s legacy and social impact initiative associated with the World Cup, will collaborate with the City of Irvine and local organizations to implement community-focused coaching development programs leading up to the World Cup in April.
This initiative aims to provide local coaches with training, tools, and resources to better support and motivate young individuals in their communities, ensuring that the World Cup’s influence extends beyond the pitch and enhances the local soccer landscape.
“Opportunities like this connect the world’s premier sporting event with the communities that enrich the game,” said Lex Chalat, executive director of the Soccer Forward Foundation. “Through Soccer Forward, we are excited to partner with the City of Irvine and local organizations to equip coaches with the necessary tools, training, and support to make a positive impact on youth. By investing in the leaders who bring the game to life in their communities, we can ensure that the momentum of the World Cup fosters lasting opportunities for future generations.”
The U.S. is also gearing up for two friendlies at the end of March, marking the final international window before the World Cup roster is announced. The Americans will face Belgium on March 28 and Portugal three days later.
