USMNT to Train at Irvine's Great Park for World Cup

Mauricio Pochettino's team selects Irvine as their base camp for 2026 World Cup

Mar. 11, 2026 at 4:53am

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The U.S. Men's National Team has chosen Irvine's Great Park as their training base for the 2026 World Cup. The team, led by manager Mauricio Pochettino, cited the park's "perfect training environment" as a key factor in their decision.

Why it matters

Irvine's selection as the USMNT's World Cup training site is a major coup for the city and will bring significant attention and economic activity to the region during the tournament. The team's presence is also a testament to the quality of the facilities at Great Park, which have been developed to support high-level athletic training and competition.

The details

The USMNT will utilize the state-of-the-art training fields, recovery facilities, and other amenities at Great Park to prepare for their World Cup matches. Pochettino praised the park's infrastructure and said it will provide an ideal environment for the team to train and acclimate before the tournament begins.

  • The USMNT will be based in Irvine's Great Park during the 2026 World Cup.

The players

Mauricio Pochettino

The manager of the U.S. Men's National Team.

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What they’re saying

“The Great Park in Irvine provides the perfect training environment for our team as we prepare for the World Cup. The facilities are world-class and will allow us to focus on our training and recovery.”

— Mauricio Pochettino, USMNT Manager (Goal)

What’s next

The USMNT will begin training at the Great Park facilities in Irvine in the months leading up to the 2026 World Cup.

The takeaway

Irvine's selection as the USMNT's World Cup training base highlights the city's growing reputation as a premier destination for high-level sports and athletic development, further cementing its status as a hub for elite competition and training.