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Jeff Carlisle
Multiple Authors
U.S. Soccer has officially announced that Great Park in Irvine, California, will serve as the training base for the U.S. Men’s National Team during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The USMNT will travel to Irvine after their friendly match against Germany on June 6. The location is strategically chosen due to its proximity to SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, where they will play Paraguay on June 12 and an unspecified opponent on June 25.
Another group stage match is set to occur in Seattle on June 19 against Australia.
“We are thrilled to have Great Park as our training facility for the upcoming World Cup,” said Matt Crocker, sporting director of U.S. Soccer. “The amenities are exceptional and will create an optimal environment for our team’s preparation for the tournament.”
The Great Park Championship Soccer Stadium, built in 2017 on the former Marine Corps Air Station El Toro site, can accommodate over 5,000 fans. The entire park spans more than 1,300 acres, with 500 acres already completed.
A spokesperson for U.S. Soccer noted that the setup at Great Park will resemble their prior experience in Qatar during the last World Cup, though enhancements will be implemented for gym facilities. Medical, rehabilitation, and recovery areas will largely be located at the team hotel.
The park itself features various recreational facilities, including sports fields, picnic spots, playgrounds, trails for walking and biking, a historic aircraft exhibition, a carousel, and an iconic tethered helium balloon. Training sessions will not be accessible to the public during the tournament.
“We are proud that the U.S. Men’s National Team has selected Great Park as its training location for the World Cup,” Mayor Larry Agran remarked. “This choice showcases the excellence of the Championship Soccer Stadium and the professionalism of its management. Irvine is excited to host players, coaches, and fans from around the globe for this renowned sporting event.”
As part of its commitment to the local community, U.S. Soccer also announced plans for the Soccer Forward Foundation, which will collaborate with the City of Irvine and local organizations to implement community coaching development programs ahead of the World Cup in April.
This initiative aims to provide local coaches with essential training and resources to inspire young people in their communities, ensuring the World Cup’s influence reaches well beyond the pitch and strengthens the local soccer community.
“This is an incredible opportunity to link the world’s premier sporting event with the communities that nurture the game,” stated Lex Chalat, executive director of the Soccer Forward Foundation. “Through Soccer Forward, we are excited to partner with the City of Irvine and local groups to equip coaches with the necessary tools and support to positively influence youth. By investing in local leaders, we can ensure that the momentum from the World Cup translates into lasting opportunities for the next generation.”
Additionally, the U.S. team is preparing for two friendlies at the end of March, marking their final international window before the final World Cup squad is announced. They will face Belgium on March 28 and Portugal three days later.