The City of Irvine and U.S. Soccer announce that the U.S. Men’s National Team has selected the Great Park as its official Team Base Camp training site during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

As a designated Team Base Camp training site, the U.S. Men’s National Team will train at the Great Park Championship Soccer Stadium, a premier facility built in 2017 that accommodates more than 5,000 spectators. This decision highlights Irvine’s world-class athletic facilities and the City’s continued investment in spaces that support elite-level competition while remaining accessible to the community. 

“We are honored that the U.S. Men’s National Team has chosen to train at the Great Park during the FIFA World Cup,” said Mayor Larry Agran. “This decision reflects the caliber of the Great Park Championship Soccer Stadium and the professionalism of the staff who operate it. Irvine is proud to welcome the players, coaches, and supporters from around the world to our great City for one of the world’s most celebrated sporting events.” 

We are delighted to have the Great Park as our training site for the 2026 FIFA World Cup,” U.S. Soccer Sporting Director Matt Crocker said. “The facilities are simply outstanding and will provide the perfect training environment for our team to prepare to be successful at the World Cup.”

In conjunction with the U.S. Men’s National Team’s presence in Irvine, the Soccer Forward Foundation, U.S. Soccer’s legacy and social impact initiative, will partner with the City of Irvine and local organizations to deliver community-based coaching development programming in the lead-up to the FIFA World Cup 2026 during the month of April. The initiative will equip local coaches with training, tools, and resources designed to help them better support and inspire young people in their communities, ensuring the impact of the World Cup extends beyond the field and strengthens the local soccer ecosystem. 

“Moments like this create an incredible opportunity to connect the world’s biggest sporting event with the communities that make the game special,” said Lex Chalat, Executive Director of the Soccer Forward Foundation. “Through Soccer Forward, we are proud to partner with the City of Irvine and local organizations to equip coaches with the tools, training, and support they need to positively impact young people. By investing in the leaders who bring the game to life in their communities, we can ensure the momentum of the World Cup creates lasting opportunities for the next generation.” 

The U.S. Men’s National Team, founded in 1913, has qualified for 11 FIFA World Cups and will compete on home soil for the first time in more than three decades. The 2026 tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will be the largest in World Cup history, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches.

“From its transformation as Marine Corps Air Station El Toro into one of the nation’s premier municipal parks, the Great Park has become a destination for athletes and families alike,” Councilmember and Great Park Board Chair William Go said. “Hosting the U.S. Men’s National Team during the 2026 FIFA World Cup is a once-in-a-generation moment for the park and a proud milestone for our entire community.” 

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The opening match for the Men’s National Team will be against Paraguay on June 12 at Sofi Stadium. The U.S. Men’s National Team advanced to the Round of 16 at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Training sessions during the tournament will not be open to the public. Information regarding a welcome event in April and potential community day will be available in the coming weeks.