The 2026 FIFA World Cup is bringing the world’s biggest soccer stars to North America, but not every national team is staying at professional stadiums or university campuses. Several powerhouse nations have chosen elite private high schools across the United States as their official World Cup base camps.
From Spain training in Tennessee to Croatia settling in Virginia, some of the world’s top-ranked soccer programs are preparing for the tournament at prestigious boarding schools and private academies known for elite athletic facilities, privacy, and professional-level soccer fields.
Why World Cup Teams Are Choosing Private High Schools
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup unfolds across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, all 48 participating nations must choose a training base camp that includes both lodging and practice facilities.
While many countries selected professional clubs or universities, four top-ranked teams opted for private K–12 schools and boarding schools:
- Spain
- Morocco
- Croatia
- Switzerland
The schools were selected because of their world-class training facilities, secure campuses, and ability to provide privacy for international athletes and coaching staffs during the tournament.
These schools are also expected to receive substantial rental revenue from FIFA and national federations, with some reports estimating payments in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Spain Chooses The Baylor School in Chattanooga, Tennessee
The Baylor School will host the Spanish national team during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The prestigious boarding and day school in Chattanooga previously hosted Auckland City FC during the FIFA Club World Cup and has spent years upgrading its soccer infrastructure.
Spain, currently ranked No. 2 in the FIFA rankings, reportedly committed to Baylor before the World Cup draw even took place.
Why Spain Picked Baylor
The campus offers:
- Three soccer pitches
- Two natural grass fields
- One turf field
- Private athletic entrances
- Mountain surroundings for security and seclusion
The Spanish federation also helped fund temporary upgrades, including converting Baylor’s tennis center into a media and workout facility.
Young superstar Lamine Yamal is expected to train at the Chattanooga campus throughout the tournament.
School officials say the partnership is more about prestige and community impact than direct financial gain.
Spanish sporting director Aitor Karanka praised the location, saying the facilities and local hospitality made Chattanooga an ideal choice.
Morocco Returns World Cup Prestige to The Pingry School
The Pingry School in New Jersey is no stranger to the World Cup spotlight.
The school famously hosted Italy during the 1994 FIFA World Cup, when the Italians reached the tournament final.
Now, Morocco — ranked No. 8 in the world — will use Pingry as its 2026 base camp.
Pingry’s Soccer Legacy
Over the years, Pingry has welcomed major soccer organizations including:
- Manchester United
- AC Milan
- Chelsea FC Women
- Uruguay
- Canada
- Ecuador
The school recently expanded its soccer facilities by adding a second field, improving stadium seating, and upgrading infrastructure around the famous Miller A. Bugliari ’52 World Cup Field.
Pingry officials say the school can generate several hundred thousand dollars annually through soccer training rentals and international camps.
Switzerland Picks San Diego Jewish Academy
San Diego Jewish Academy has emerged as one of Southern California’s top soccer training destinations.
The school will now host Switzerland during the tournament.
A Growing Soccer Destination
The academy previously hosted:
- United States men’s national soccer team
- Nashville SC
To prepare for the World Cup, the school invested heavily in new equipment and field improvements, including:
- Full-sized professional goals
- Ice baths and recovery stations
- Expanded training infrastructure
- Grass field enhancements
The academy reportedly raised $200,000 specifically to improve the playing surface ahead of FIFA inspections.
School officials estimate the FIFA rental agreement alone will generate more than $500,000 in revenue.
Swiss players also participated in a community engagement day where students were able to meet players, collect autographs, and interact with the national team.
Midfielder Granit Xhaka is expected to train at the San Diego campus during the tournament.
Croatia Sets Up at Episcopal High School in Virginia
Episcopal High School will serve as the official base camp for Croatia.
The nearly 200-year-old boarding school sits on a 130-acre campus and has increasingly become a destination for international soccer teams thanks to its elite Bermuda grass fields and private setting.
Croatia Brings World Cup Experience to Virginia
Croatia has been one of the most successful national teams of the past decade, finishing:
- Runner-up at the 2018 FIFA World Cup
- Third place at the 2022 FIFA World Cup
Led by legendary captain Luka Modrić, Croatia selected Episcopal after multiple teams toured the campus following the World Cup draw.
The school’s privacy and high-quality fields reportedly played a major role in the decision.
Episcopal has previously hosted:
- United States women’s national soccer team
- Al Ain FC
School administrators say hosting Croatia allows the Washington, D.C. area to experience part of the World Cup atmosphere despite the capital not hosting tournament matches.
How Much Money Are Schools Making From FIFA Base Camps?
While FIFA has not publicly disclosed official rental fees, schools hosting World Cup teams are believed to be receiving significant compensation.
Some estimates include:
- Hundreds of thousands of dollars in campus rental revenue
- Additional hotel and tourism income for local cities
- Expanded summer sports business opportunities
- Long-term branding exposure for the schools
For many institutions, hosting a World Cup team also enhances international recognition and strengthens future partnerships with professional clubs and federations.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Begins June 11
The 2026 FIFA World Cup officially begins on June 11 and runs through July 19 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Before the matches begin, teams are arriving at their training bases this week to prepare for the largest World Cup in history.
For these elite American schools, hosting some of the world’s greatest soccer stars represents a rare opportunity to become part of global football history.