IRVINE, California — With the 2026 FIFA World Cup just days away, the United States Men’s National Team has officially moved into its tournament headquarters at the Great Park Sports Complex in Orange County.

This sprawling, state-of-the-art facility in Irvine will serve as the USMNT’s home for the duration of the competition — a centralized, high-performance base designed to give Mauricio Pochettino’s side every possible advantage on home soil.

This sprawling, state-of-the-art facility in Irvine will serve as the USMNT’s home for the duration of the competition — a centralized, high-performance base designed to give Mauricio Pochettino’s side every possible advantage on home soil.

Why Great Park?

The decision to set up camp at Great Park was made months ago, and it is already looking like a masterstroke.

The complex boasts multiple full-size natural grass pitches, elite recovery and medical facilities, and a level of privacy that top national teams demand.

Crucially, it sits just a 45-minute drive from SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, where the USMNT will play two of their three group-stage matches.

That proximity removes unnecessary travel fatigue and allows the team to maintain consistency in training and preparation.

The squad arrived in Irvine at the beginning of June and has already logged several closed-door sessions.

On Saturday, June 8, they held an open training session at Championship Soccer Stadium inside the complex, drawing more than 5,500 fans — an early and encouraging sign of the home support they can expect throughout the tournament.

A Controlled Environment

For Pochettino and his staff, controlling every variable has been a major priority during this home World Cup cycle.

Having a calm, high-quality base away from the chaos of central Los Angeles gives the players the best chance to focus, recover, and fine-tune their tactics.

Players have spoken positively about the facilities, the Southern California weather, and the quiet environment that Great Park provides.

In a tournament where small details can make a significant difference, this kind of setup matters.

What It Means for the USMNT

By establishing a true home base in Orange County, the USMNT is attempting to create familiarity and stability as they navigate the pressures of a home World Cup.

The team will remain at Great Park between matches, using it as a sanctuary while traveling only when necessary for games.

For American supporters, particularly those in Southern California, it also presents a rare opportunity.

Some training sessions will be open to the public, offering fans a chance to see the national team up close during the biggest sporting event the country has ever hosted.

The Journey Begins

The journey begins in earnest on June 12, when the USMNT faces Paraguay in their Group D opener at SoFi Stadium.

Until then, Great Park — for the next several weeks at least — is America’s soccer capital.

For Pochettino’s squad, everything now points toward one objective: making history on home soil.