Forty-eight national football squads are establishing their training bases across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, preparing for the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Wall Street Journal highlighted this significant logistical undertaking, noting teams are setting up in diverse locations, from "leafy boarding schools to sun-drenched resorts." This marks a crucial phase as teams aim for optimal preparation and extended stays in the tournament.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is unprecedented, featuring 48 teams for the first time, an increase from the previous 32. This expansion necessitates extensive infrastructure, with 16 cities across the three North American nations serving as official host venues. The tournament, which commenced on June 11, will run until July 19, featuring a record 104 matches.
FIFA's selection of team base camps and training sites is a complex process, designed to provide world-class facilities and minimize travel for participating nations. These sites offer dedicated training pitches, gyms, medical facilities, and accommodation. The strategic placement of these camps aims to ensure players are well-rested and acclimatized, given the vast geographical spread of the host cities.
The host nations — the United States, Mexico, and Canada — automatically qualified for the tournament. The remaining 45 teams secured their berths through rigorous qualification campaigns. The tournament's format includes 12 groups of four teams, with the top two from each group and the eight best third-placed teams advancing to a new Round of 32. This expanded knockout stage means teams will play more matches, emphasizing the importance of well-equipped and comfortable training environments.
