With the 2026 FIFA World Cup just around the corner, Africa's representative nations have finalized their strategic training bases. As the global football community prepares for the tournament running from June 11 to July 19, the selection of these base camps marks a critical step in the logistical and strategic preparation for the continent's teams.
Following an extensive and collaborative process with FIFA, the official base camps for all 48 qualified nations have been confirmed. This year, Africa will be represented by a record 10 teams, following the expansion of the tournament from 32 to 48 nations. The qualified teams include Senegal, Morocco, Egypt, Ghana, Algeria, Tunisia, Côte d’Ivoire, Cape Verde, South Africa, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Team Base Camps are essential hubs where athletes can put down roots, train, and recuperate between matches. Heimo Schirgi, FIFA World Cup 2026 chief operating officer, noted that these camps are an "integral part of the fabric" of the tournament, allowing teams to experience the day-to-day rhythms of the competition.
The African contingent is spread across the host countries, with a strong presence in the United States. Morocco, who previously reached the semi-finals in 2022, will be based at The Pingry School in the New York–New Jersey area, while Senegal will train at Rutgers University in the same region. Other U.S. locations include Ghana at Bryant University in Boston, Egypt at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington, and Algeria at the University of Kansas in Kansas City. Cape Verde has chosen Tampa, Florida, Côte d’Ivoire will be in Philadelphia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo—returning to the World Cup for the first time since 1974—will be based in Houston.
Mexico also serves as a strategic base for African talent, with South Africa selecting the Universidad del Futbol in Pachuca and Tunisia utilizing the Rayados Training Centre in Monterrey.
Overall, FIFA has positioned 39 teams in the United States, seven in Mexico, and two in Canada. The logistics of the tournament have also seen other notable movements, such as Iran's late switch to Tijuana, Mexico, a move supported by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum amid concerns over U.S. visa restrictions.
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African teams secure training bases ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup
cgtn.com
