Guide to the World Cup Team Base Camps 2026
About the World Cup Team Base Camps and Why So Many Nations Are Choosing US Colleges
With just days until the FIFA World Cup 2026 begins, one trend has become impossible to ignore: many of the official World Cup team base camps are located at US colleges and universities.
From Germany training at Wake Forest University to Egypt choosing Gonzaga University, 14 elite international teams have placed their trust in collegiate athletic facilities ahead of the biggest tournament in football. Players such as Erling Haaland, Mo Salah, Joshua Kimmich, Kylian Mbappé, and Sadio Mane will be utilising college facilities at the World Cup – the world’s best need world-class facilities.
Hermo Schirgi, Chief Operating Officer of the FIFA World Cup 2026, said, “Team Base Camps are an integral part of the fabric of any FIFA World Cup. They are where teams put down roots, train and recuperate, and experience the day-to-day rhythms of the tournament. Finalising the list of Team Base Camp Training Sites for the FIFA World Cup 2026 is especially exciting because of its unprecedented scale, which gives us the welcome and wonderful opportunity to involve more communities and fans in this groundbreaking tournament.” (FIFA)
The decision to host multiple Team Base Camps at US colleges highlights the growing reputation of US college sports facilities on the global stage.
What Are World Cup Team Base Camps?
World Cup team base camps are the locations where national teams live, train, recover, and prepare between matches during the group stage of the tournament.
According to FIFA, these sites become a team’s “home away from home” throughout the competition. Players, coaches, medical staff, and support personnel spend a significant amount of their time at these facilities during the tournament.
For the FIFA World Cup 2026:
- 48 nations have selected official Team Base Camps.
- 39 teams are based in the United States.
- 7 teams are based in Mexico.
- 2 teams are based in Canada.
- 25 non-host communities will welcome national teams during the tournament.
Which Teams Are Using College Campuses?
According to FIFA, the following 14 nations have chosen colleges and universities as their World Cup base camps:
- Germany – Wake Forest University
- Egypt – Gonzaga University
- France – Bentley University
- Austria – UC Santa Barbara
- Norway – UNC Greensboro
- New Zealand – University of San Diego
- Qatar – Westmont College
- Jordan – University of Portland
- Algeria – University of Kansas
- Curaçao – Florida Atlantic University
Senegal – Rutgers University
Ghana – Bryant University
Haiti – Stockton University
Paraguay – San Jose State University
This list demonstrates the trust that international teams place in the quality of collegiate athletic environments.
Why Are Teams Choosing US Colleges for Their World Cup Base Camps?
The answer is simple: world-class facilities.
When selecting Team Base Camps for World Cup 2026, nations evaluated several factors:
- Training pitch quality
- Sports science support
- Recovery facilities
- Strength and conditioning spaces
- Privacy and security
- Travel accessibility
- Accommodation standards
FIFA’s selection process was thorough, beginning in 2024, with a foundational list of options that was later refined in 2025. Finally, in December 2025, the qualified teams submitted their choices from more than 60 potential options across North America before making their final decisions. (FIFA)
Many universities already possess the infrastructure needed to support elite athletes, making them ideal locations for World Cup preparation.
More Than Just Football
The impact of World Cup base camps extends beyond the teams themselves.
FIFA estimates that communities hosting national teams will benefit from increased tourism, media attention, and economic activity throughout the tournament. Many of these locations will not host World Cup matches but will still experience the excitement of welcoming elite international athletes. (FIFA)
For colleges and universities, hosting a national team provides global exposure and showcases their facilities to millions of football fans around the world.
What This Means for Future Student-Athletes
For aspiring student-athletes considering the US college pathway, the message is clear.
The same facilities used daily by college athletes are now being chosen by World Cup nations preparing for the biggest tournament in football.
Whether it is Germany training at Wake Forest, France at Bentley, or Egypt at Gonzaga, these World Cup team base camps demonstrate the exceptional standard of facilities available within US collegiate athletics.
As the countdown to kick-off continues, these campuses are becoming temporary homes for some of the best footballers on the planet.
For student-athletes, parents, and coaches, the lesson is simple: if these facilities are good enough to host World Cup teams, they provide an incredible environment for athletic and academic development as well.
Do You Also Want to Train Like a Pro While Studying in the U.S.?
Playing football at college is not only allowing you to combine your passion with studies but also get access all the support you might need as a player. That includes using fantastic facilities like these – everyday!
Do you want to know if you got what it takes to play football in the USA on a scholarship? Fill out our free assessment now! Our soccer experts evaluate your scholarship chances – without any cost or obligation.
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Chloe Bagshaw
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