The U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) will train at the Great Park Sports Complex in Orange County during the 2026 FIFA World Cup this June and July, the U.S. Soccer Federation said.
The City of Irvine confirmed the team’s official “Team Base Camp training site” will be the Great Park Championship Soccer Stadium, a facility built in 2017 with capacity for more than 5,000 spectators.
The venue is currently home to the Orange County SC. The United Soccer League team plays its home matches there annually from late March to mid-October.
In a press release, U.S. Soccer Sporting Director Matt Crocker called the facility “simply outstanding.”
“[The facilities] will provide the perfect training environment for our team to prepare to be successful at the World Cup.”
The training sessions will not be open to the public.
Former U.S. Soccer president Alan Rothenberg played a key role in bringing the 1994 FIFA World Cup to the United States and helping launch Major League Soccer.
The City of Irvine said the decision to use the Great Park Championship Soccer Stadium for such an important event highlights the city’s ongoing investment in “spaces that support elite-level competition while remaining accessible to the community.”
“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,” said Irvine Mayor Larry Agran.
“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,” added councilmember and Great Park Board Chair William Go.
Roger Bennett previewed his new book “We Are The World (Cup),” talked about on his favorite World Cup memories and predicted the world champion.
The City of Irvine said it will partner with USMNT, the Soccer Forward Foundation, and local organizations to provide community-based coaching development opportunities at the venue this 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,” a press release said.
More information about those opportunities and a potential community day at the facility will be released later, the city said.
Tuesday marks 100 days from the global tournament kicking off at SoFi Stadium. Keenan Willard reports for the NBC4 News at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup in Los Angeles
The USMNT has competed in 11 FIFA World Cups over the decades. This year, the team will compete on home soil for the first time in more than three decades.
Los Angeles will host eight FIFA World Cup matches, including four Group Stage matches, at SoFi Stadium (aka Los Angeles Stadium, by World Cup standards) throughout this June and July.
These are the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches in Los Angeles:
July 12: USA vs. Paraguay (opening match for USMNT)
June 15: New Zealand vs. Iran*
June 18: Switzerland vs. TBD
June 21: Belgium vs. Iran*
June 25: USA vs. TBD
June 28: Round of 32, TBD vs. TBD
July 2: Round of 32, TBD vs. TBD
July 10: Quarterfinal, TBD vs. TBD
Iran’s football federation president suggested the country’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup is uncertain, raising the possibility of a boycott. Iran is currently scheduled to play in Los Angeles. If they withdraw, Iraq or the United Arab Emirates are possible replacements.
The June 15 and June 21 matches are scheduled to feature Iran, but Iran’s sports minister said Wednesday that the country’s international team cannot be part of the global soccer tournament.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said earlier this week that President Donald Trump told him the Iranian national team would be welcome to compete in the U.S., despite ongoing tensions. Questions remain.
In all, the 2026 FIFA World Cup — hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico — will feature 48 teams and 104 matches, all vying for victory.