Next Stop, Oklahoma: FIFA World Cup 2026 Team Base Camps in line for Norman, Oklahoma City

The world's most elite national soccer teams could soon be training in Oklahoma as the FIFA World Cup 2026™ heads to North America in June and July 2026. Oklahoma City and Norman have both been named in FIFA’s expanded list of potential Team Base Camps, bringing the global spotlight to the Sooner State during the largest sporting event in history.

Oklahoma City’s state-of-the-art professional soccer training facility in the heart of the Adventure District, along with the University of Oklahoma’s premier athletic complexes in Norman, have been identified as eligible training sites. These venues meet FIFA’s high standards and offer the world-class amenities required to host national teams next summer.

Final selections are expected later this year as national teams make their decisions.

What are Base Camps?

Team Base Camps play a vital role in the tournament’s success—providing a home base where teams can train, rest, and prepare for matches. FIFA’s newly released Team Base Camp Brochure features 62 potential locations across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Each site underwent a detailed vetting process based on the quality of training facilities, local infrastructure, and accessibility to one or more of the 16 official host cities.

2026 FIFA World Cup

The 2026 tournament will be historic in more ways than one. For the first time, the FIFA World Cup™ will be jointly hosted by three nations—United States, Canada, and Mexico—and will feature an expanded field of 48 teams, making it the largest international soccer event ever held.

Oklahoma’s inclusion in this global event is the result of a collaborative effort led by the City of Oklahoma City, the OKC for Soccer Committee, Echo Investment Capital, Visit OKC, the University of Oklahoma, and the State of Oklahoma. OKC for Soccer, launched in August 2024, is a community-focused initiative spearheaded by Echo to redefine professional soccer in Oklahoma City.

FIFA first approached city leaders 6 months ago about the possibility, according to Court Jeske, president of OKC for Soccer.

"Oklahoma city is an international city, it's time we had a team on the international sport of soccer, the same way the Thunder represent us globally from a basketball perspective," he said.

Timeline

Final decisions on Team Base Camps will be made after the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Final Draw, expected in December 2025. The draw will determine the geographic zones where teams will play their group matches—key information in choosing their training locations.

Local leaders and partners have expressed their excitement about the recognition and the potential for Oklahoma to play a meaningful role on the world stage.

Full list of potential base camps HERE.

David Holt, Mayor of Oklahoma City:

“Though we know it is ultimately out of our control whether a national team selects metro OKC as a Team Base Camp, just the fact that we could be considered is a testament to our growth as a community, our rising profile in international sports, and our commitment to soccer. Our city hosts the Women’s College World Series, the world’s greatest basketball team, and will stage seven Olympic events in 2028. We are also making a major commitment to soccer through MAPS 4 and prioritize our relationship with the sport. I commend everyone involved in this effort for their collaborative work behind the scenes to establish this potential opportunity, and I can assure any national team that they will find OKC to be a fantastic host in 2026.”

Matt Pinnell, Lieutenant Governor of Oklahoma:

"Oklahoma is investing heavily in sports tourism, generating a major economic impact across the state. Over the past two years, sports tourism has generated over $250 million in Oklahoma, and our potential to support yet another global sporting event presents a chance for Oklahoma’s unparalleled hospitality to shine. I am excited for the opportunity to show off our state as a world-class soccer destination.”

Zac Craig, President of Visit OKC:

“This is another opportunity to elevate Oklahoma City as a global destination. Through pristine infrastructure, first-rate accommodations, and fun things to do, all of the pieces are in place to provide a ‘home away from home’ for the world’s best national teams.” 

Christian Kanady, Partner and CEO of Echo:

“Oklahoma City is now a contender to support the world’s best soccer teams and further demonstrate what we’re capable of on the biggest stage in sports. Not only is FIFA’s recognition significant for the region, but it is yet another example of our city’s growth and momentum. At Echo, we are proud to be at the forefront of the next chapter for professional soccer and sports & entertainment in OKC – an investment that will energize our community and devoted fans anywhere.”

Mackenzie Dilbeck, Deputy A.D. of the University of Oklahoma:

“The Oklahoma Sooners are thrilled to open our doors and be included among the sites considered to host national teams for the World Cup. Our state is home to high-performance soccer facilities and a strong and growing fanbase. We’re incredibly thankful for the opportunity to support some of the world’s best squads as they compete on the largest stage in all of international soccer.”

Court Jeske, President of OKC for Soccer:

“Oklahoma has united around the world’s game, and we are proud to extend our top-class facilities and renowned hospitality in support of the most historic World Cup ever. This marks another milestone in our region’s emergence as a location for international sporting events. On our part, we are incredibly proud to offer OKC’s pro soccer training facility as one of those world-class options.”

Reaction from fans

News of the possible connection to the World Cup spread quickly among the city's youngest fans.

Players at a downtown Oklahoma City futsal court said they're already savings for possible trips to Dallas or Kansas City to see actual matches.

"It seems like the whole city is growing in general, and with the basketball, everything's growing," said Edwin Diaz, a high school junior in Oklahoma City.