Base Camp Arrangements Finalized for 48 Teams in FIFA World Cup 2026
Forty-eight distinct training facilities have been designated for the 48 teams participating in the FIFA World Cup 2026, hosted by three nations. Among these teams, seven will be based in Mexico, two in Canada, and the remaining 39 in the United States. Haimao Shirgi, the tournament’s Chief Operating Officer, emphasized, “Team base camps are an essential component of the structure of any FIFA World Cup.” Reported on May 18, Kathmandu.
As the FIFA World Cup 2026 approaches—being jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada—the participating teams have already begun arriving in the host countries. Scheduled to kick off on June 11 across the three North American countries, teams have commenced their preparations, while some are still awaiting visa approval. Matches will be held across 16 cities within these three host nations. Prior to the games, the 48 national teams will stay at their respective training sites, known as team base camps (TBCs).
Forty-eight distinct training base camps have been finalized across the three host nations. These camps will play a pivotal role for the teams competing in the largest World Cup in history. Each participating squad’s chosen world-class training center will become their home away from home, where players, coaches, and officials will spend essential time during the group stage. While these 48 training sites are crucial for the World Cup preparation, no matches will be played at these venues.
Numerous cities and towns across North America offer exceptional infrastructure and convenient access to the 16 host cities. The presence of teams training at these community sites, along with visiting fans and media, is expected to foster significant social and economic growth. FIFA has ensured that many regions will experience the excitement of the World Cup firsthand. According to Haimao Shirgi, COO of FIFA World Cup 2026, team base camps are an integral element of the tournament.
“Team base camps are an indispensable part of the structure of any FIFA World Cup,” he stated. “Here, teams lodge, train, recover fatigue, and experience the daily rhythm of the competition. The completion of the final list of team base camp training sites for FIFA World Cup 2026 is exciting, as its unprecedented scale will enable broader community involvement and increased fan engagement during this historic tournament.”
The selection process for the TBCs was extensive and collaborative. Official selection began in 2024, and following the final World Cup draw in 2025, 48 base camps were ultimately chosen from approximately 60 options. Seven teams from Colombia, Iran, South Korea, Mexico, South Africa, Tunisia, and Uruguay will establish their base camps in Mexico. Teams from Canada and Panama will train in Canada, while the remaining 39 teams will be based in the United States. In addition to the 16 host cities, 25 other communities will host national teams for training. These include New Tecumseth in Canada; Cancun, Pachuca, and Tijuana in Mexico; and several U.S. locations such as Alexandria, Austin, Boca Raton, Charlotte, Chattanooga, Columbus, Gaulta, Greenbrier, Greensboro, Irvine, Mesa, Nashville, Palm Beach Gardens, Portland, Renton, San Diego, Sandy, Santa Barbara, Spokane, Tampa, and Winston-Salem. No World Cup matches will be held at these training sites.