Bentley University to Host France National Soccer Team for World Cup Training

The French team will have access to Bentley's athletic facilities during their stay in Boston ahead of the tournament.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 1:51am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a soccer match or training session, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the dynamic movements and energy of the sport.Bentley University's campus will be transformed into a training ground for the world's top-ranked soccer team as they prepare for the World Cup.Boston Today

Bentley University in Waltham, Massachusetts has been selected to host the France National Soccer Team for their training camp ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The French team, currently ranked number one in the FIFA world rankings, will have access to Bentley's grass soccer field, baseball field, weight room, treatment area, and locker rooms during their stay in Boston from June 10-30. This will mark the first time a national team has ever trained at the Bentley campus, which has an enrollment of around 5,300 students.

Why it matters

Hosting the French national team is a major coup for the small private university, bringing significant exposure and prestige. It also presents logistical challenges, as Bentley will need to restrict access to their athletic facilities to protect the playing surfaces and ensure the team's privacy during training sessions.

The details

France Head Coach Didier Deschamps toured the Bentley campus last month and selected it as the team's training base for the World Cup. The university will need to get their grass soccer field up to FIFA standards before the team arrives on June 10. Security will be tight, with the lower campus locked down to prevent fans from watching the team train. Bentley's own student-athletes will also be restricted from using the facilities during France's stay.

  • France will arrive in Boston on June 10, 2026.
  • France will begin training at Bentley University on June 11, 2026.

The players

Didier Deschamps

Head Coach of the France National Soccer Team.

Vaughn Williams

Athletic Director of Bentley University.

Sydney Deroche

A soccer player at Bentley University.

Michael Haikal

A senior on the Bentley University soccer team.

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What they’re saying

“At first, I didn't believe it. It was kind of hard to believe because it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to share something to special with such an incredible team.”

— Sydney Deroche, Bentley University Soccer Player

“When the coaching staff and federation were here, people were coming down, taking pictures. It was a big deal, and everybody knew about it.”

— Michael Haikal, Bentley University Soccer Player

“Work has already started. This is the most important part of their stay. Is the pitch. We'll protect this field until they come.”

— Vaughn Williams, Bentley University Athletic Director

What’s next

Bentley University will continue preparing its athletic facilities to meet FIFA's standards ahead of the France National Team's arrival on June 10. The university will also finalize security and access protocols to ensure the team's privacy during their training sessions.

The takeaway

Hosting the France National Soccer Team is a major coup for small Bentley University, bringing significant exposure and prestige to the school. However, it also presents logistical challenges as the university must restrict access to its facilities and protect the playing surfaces to accommodate the world's top-ranked team.