The City of Irvine Thanks U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team

Photo collage from images posted on the City’s social media pages

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup concludes this weekend, the City of Irvine is celebrating an unforgettable chapter in the community’s history and thanking the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team for allowing Irvine to play a role in the team’s World Cup journey.

After evaluating 27 potential training sites, U.S. Soccer selected the Great Park as the team’s official Training Base Camp for the tournament, citing the Great Park Championship Soccer Stadium and its world-class facilities as the clear choice.

From the team’s first training session to its final World Cup match, Irvine embraced the excitement of hosting the national team. Thousands of residents and visitors gathered throughout the month to glimpse training sessions, attend community events, and cheer on the players as they represented the United States on soccer’s biggest stage. Along the way, the team’s presence brought neighbors together, inspired young athletes, and created lasting memories for families and fans throughout Irvine.

One of the highlights came in June, when thousands of enthusiastic supporters welcomed the team during a community celebration at the Great Park Championship Soccer Stadium, kicking off a month of excitement that united the community around the world’s most popular sport.

Mayor Larry Agran said the Great Park’s selection as the team’s official training site reflected years of planning, investment, and collaboration. “We are honored that the U.S. Men’s National Team chose to train at the Great Park during the FIFA World Cup. The decision reflects the caliber of the Great Park Championship Soccer Stadium and the professionalism of the staff who operate it. Irvine is proud to have welcomed the players, coaches, and supporters from around the world to our great City for one of the world’s most celebrated sporting events.”

Irvine Councilmember and Great Park Board Chair William Go said the tournament represented a defining moment in the park’s history: “From its transformation as Marine Corps Air Station El Toro into one of the nation’s premier municipal parks, the Great Park has become a destination for athletes and families alike. Hosting the U.S. Men’s National Team during the 2026 FIFA World Cup was a once-in-a-generation moment for the park and a proud milestone for our entire community.”

The World Cup concludes on Sunday (July 19th), when the final match between Spain and Argentina will be played at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, capping a historic tournament that left a lasting impact on Irvine and communities across America. A free community Watch Party will be held at Great Park Live.