With the World Cup kickoff approaching, participating teams are finalizing their squads and planning their final preparations before the June 11 opener in Mexico. Most expanded rosters for the 48 teams have been announced, and attention now shifts to travel to the United States, Mexico, and Canada for friendly matches and training camps.
A base camp is the primary location chosen by each team for pre-tournament training, acclimatization, and group-stage matches. It includes accommodation, practice fields, gyms, recovery facilities, and other necessities. The three host nations (US, Mexico, Canada) have advantages in climate, home support, and logistics, while the other 45 teams face international travel and adjustment challenges.
All 48 teams selected base camps from a FIFA-approved catalog, considering their needs and group-stage venues. Locations range from local sports complexes and university facilities to luxury hotels. These camps will primarily be used until the group stage ends on June 27; the 32 teams advancing to the knockout stage may extend their stay or move closer to their next match venue.
Defending champions Argentina will base themselves in Kansas City, Missouri, with a training center featuring five elite fields, a performance lab, and custom facilities. They open against Algeria in Kansas City. Germany chose Wake Forest University for training and the Graylyn Estate hotel for accommodation, citing privacy and proximity.
Iran's participation remains contentious. FIFA insists the team will play, but Iran has demands. US President Donald Trump said the team is welcome but hinted at safety concerns. Nonetheless, preparations in Tucson continue, with FC Tucson's president stating they will welcome Iran with open arms.
Iraq returns after 40 years and will stay at the Greenbrier Resort, where 28 US presidents have stayed. The training center is on-site, minimizing travel. Canada, as a host, set up camp in Vancouver, where they play two of three group matches. Vancouver will host seven matches overall.
Colombia will train at Atlas AGA Academy with six professional fields. Croatia chose Virginia, where they play no group matches. France will train at Bentley University with enhanced security; classes will continue uninterrupted.
Overall, teams prioritized location, infrastructure, and privacy. The tournament runs June 11–27 for the group stage, with knockout rounds to follow.
Source: www.aljazeera.com