Irvine Is Team USA's World Cup Base Camp in 2026

The U.S. Men's National Team selected the Great Park Championship Soccer Stadium as its official Team Base Camp for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and last July 6, the team played Belgium in the Round of 16 at Lumen Field in Seattle.

Out of 27 venues considered up and down the West Coast, Irvine was the clear winner. That's not a small thing for a city of our size, and it's been a genuinely fun few weeks watching it play out.

How did Irvine land this?

The Great Park and its Championship Soccer Stadium were selected in March 2026 as the USMNT's official training base, drawn by the park's top-tier facilities and its short drive to SoFi Stadium, according to the City of Irvine. The stadium, recently expanded with new bleachers, a party deck, and additional seating, normally hosts Orange County SC, but for the tournament it's been the team's home turf.

On June 8, the city hosted a Community Training Session at the stadium, the only public chance to watch the team practice locally. Tickets were distributed through a lottery, and thousands of residents entered for a shot at two free seats each.

What it means for Irvine right now

The World Cup runs through July 19, and the U.S. has already advanced out of the group stage into the knockout rounds, last July 6th's Round of 16 match against Belgium was win-or-go-home. Whatever happened on the field, Irvine's Great Park has already had its moment on a genuinely global stage, and that kind of visibility tends to stick with a city long after the tournament ends.

For residents, it's also just been a fun summer: watch parties at Great Park Live, a giant balloon decked out with the USMNT crest, and a hometown pride that doesn't come around often.

Where can I feel the energy in person?

Great Park Live has hosted official World Cup watch parties throughout the tournament, and the Championship Soccer Stadium remains open to Orange County SC matches once the World Cup wraps. If you want to catch the energy in person, Great Park Live and the surrounding Great Park grounds are the spots to be.

Frequently asked questions

Why did Team USA pick Irvine for its World Cup base camp?

The Great Park's Championship Soccer Stadium offered top-tier training facilities and a short drive to SoFi Stadium, and it beat out 26 other West Coast venues under consideration.

Can the public watch the team practice in Irvine?

There was one public Community Training Session on June 8, 2026, with free tickets distributed through a lottery. It was a one-time event for this World Cup cycle.

Thinking about a home near all this Great Park energy? I'd love to show you what's available.

Final Thoughts

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