Spokane Designated as Candidate Team Base Camp for FIFA World Cup 2026

Spokane Selected as a Candidate for FIFA World Cup 2026 Team Base Camp

Spokane may host a national soccer team during the FIFA World Cup in the summer of 2026. The city has been chosen as a candidate for a “Team Base Camp.” This announcement comes as part of FIFA’s reveal of 26 additional cities that could serve as training bases for teams.

If Spokane is selected, teams will train at Gonzaga University’s soccer facilities and stay in local hotels. Gonzaga President Thayne McCulloh expressed pride in being a proposed base camp, highlighting the university’s high-quality facilities and the community’s support for international sports.

The World Cup will take place in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, with sixteen stadiums hosting matches. Lumen Field in Seattle and BC Place in Vancouver are the nearest venues to Spokane.

State Senator-Elect Marcus Riccelli advocated for Spokane’s selection during a meeting with FIFA World Cup organizers and local representatives. He emphasized Gonzaga’s facilities and Spokane’s welcoming nature as ideal for a national team.

FIFA will announce the selected base camp cities in early 2026. Teams typically arrive weeks before the tournament starts on June 11, 2026. Riccelli noted Spokane’s vibrant soccer community, demonstrated by local support for the Spokane Velocity and Spokane Zephyr teams.

Jonathan Ehrenberg of the 509 Syndicate, a supporters’ group, affirmed that hosting an international team would be exciting for the community. Riccelli believes Spokane residents will support the U.S. team and any team that trains in the city.

Rose Noble from Visit Spokane highlighted local businesses and attractions as benefits of hosting a team. Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity, noting the city’s growing reputation as a sports destination.

The potential to host a World Cup team could enhance Spokane’s economy and community spirit as the city eagerly anticipates the tournament.