United States picks Irvine as World Cup training base

Header image credit: The New York Times / The Athletic

The United States Men’s National Team will train at Great Park in Irvine, California during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, providing a Southern California base as the team prepares for matches across the United States.

The USMNT is expected to arrive in Irvine following its June 6 friendly against Germany. From there, the location offers convenient travel for group stage matches including two at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood.

Great Park Championship Soccer Stadium, built on the former Marine Corps Air Station El Toro site, seats more than 5,000 spectators and sits within a park complex spanning over 1,300 acres with sports fields, trails, playgrounds and community spaces.

Sign up for our Newsletter