As the 2026 FIFA World Cup gets closer, a lot of people are surprised to hear that players will be staying at American colleges. At first, it sounds kind of weird, but it actually makes a lot of sense.
The players are not going to school or anything like that. Instead, the team chooses something called a “base camp.” This is where they live and practice between games. Many of these base camps are on college campuses because they already have everything the players need. According to Fox News, “Base camps are critical to World Cup operations.”
Colleges have big soccer fields, gyms, and training equipment. They also have space for teams to practice without being bothered. For example, the German national football team is using Wake Forest University as a place to train. The players will practice there but stay at a nearby hotel.
There are a few reasons why colleges are a good choice. First, they already have great sports facilities. Second, it is easier to keep the area safe and private. Lastly, many colleges are close to cities and stadiums, so traveling to games is easier. According to Fox News, they have said the facilities are “designed to support some of the biggest names in soccer.”
This is also exciting for students and people who live nearby. They might get a chance to see some of the best soccer players in the world practicing close to them. It can also bring more attention to the colleges, making them more well-known around the world. Local businesses like restaurants and hotels could also benefit because people will be visiting the area. According to Channel 1 LA, “The clubs, their players, coaches, management staff and fans will build incredible connections with the local people.” This shows how the World Cup can bring people together and make the experience even more special for everyone.
Overall, this helps both teams and the communities. It gives the players a great place to get ready while also giving fans a fun and different experience during the World Cup. It also makes the event feel bigger and more exciting in more places, not just at the stadiums. Even people who don’t go to the game can feel like they are a part of it. This spreads the hype of the World Cup and makes it something more people can enjoy and remember.
