Orlando Designated as Training Hub for 2026 FIFA World Cup

Orlando Designated as Training Hub for 2026 FIFA World Cup

Orlando has been officially named as one of the cities designated for team training during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Following an announcement from FIFA on November 22, 26 locations have been added for teams to prepare and rest in between their matches. Although Orlando was initially a contender to host actual game events, the selected venues for the matches in Florida will be Miami and Atlanta.

Facility Details

Orlando City SC Training Grounds located at Osceola Heritage Park. In addition, teams will be accommodated at the Lake Nona Wave Hotel, which is poised to offer a comfortable environment for rest and recovery.

Timeline for Teams

The structure of the tournament is set, with the draw for the 48 national teams’ match locations occurring in December 2025. Teams will choose their training sites after this initial draw, which will be crucial for their strategies as they prepare for the competition.

Options Beyond Orlando

In total, other locations in Florida that can serve as training sites include Port St. Lucie, Tampa, and Palm Beach Gardens. Each of these cities will offer teams various resources and facilities to aid in their training efforts leading up to the World Cup.

Future Events in Orlando

Even though Orlando missed the chance to host World Cup games, the city is still set to be a significant player in the soccer landscape. FIFA has selected the Inter&Co Stadium and Camping World Stadium to host matches for the 2025 Club World Cup. This positioning not only highlights Orlando’s capability to host high-stakes events but also reinforces its growing reputation in the realm of international soccer.

Economic Impact

According to Jason Siegel, the president and CEO of the Greater Orlando Sports Commission, the long-term planning for these tournaments is akin to “playing Tetris.” He emphasizes the importance of arranging events effectively to maximize economic impact and ensure the community derives substantial benefits from hosting these activities. “As the pieces fall across the board, we want to ensure that we have great opportunities,” Siegel stated.

Community Engagement

As Orlando gears up for the World Cup and other major soccer events, local businesses and residents are encouraged to engage with the upcoming tournaments. The community’s involvement is expected to increase as the events draw nearer, providing ample opportunities for local economic boosts through tourism, hospitality, and related industries.

Looking Ahead

As the excitement for the 2026 FIFA World Cup builds, Orlando’s role as a training hub positions it squarely in the international soccer spotlight. The coming years promise not only the development of top-notch training programs but also a series of high-profile matches that will further showcase the city’s commitment to the sport.

Overall, while the city may not host any matches during the World Cup, its selection as a training site solidifies its relevance in the global soccer scene and paves the way for a thriving soccer culture, drawing attention and investment in the years to come.