Irvine’s Place in the World Cup Story: A Training Ground for a Bigger Sports Vision
Destination Irvine & Orange County Sports Commission

The Orange County Sports Commission (OCSC) works to position Orange County as a premier sports destination by connecting the cities, venues, and partners that shape the region’s sports ecosystem. In Irvine, Destination Irvine helps translate the city’s assets into opportunities that bring greater attention and economic impact to the region.

That alignment helped position Irvine for a prominent role during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, when the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) selected Great Park in Irvine as its official training base camp. Throughout the team’s stay, Great Park provided the facilities and operational support needed for a national team competing on the world’s biggest stage.

For Orange County, the selection reflected what can happen when long-term civic investment meets regional sports strategy.

“Irvine has no off-season,” said Melissa Haley, Director of Communications & Engagement for the City of Irvine. “With nearly perfect year-round weather and our prime location in the heart of Orange County, the City of Irvine offers all the advantages of Southern California, from reliable conditions for competition to easy access to hotels, dining, airports, beaches, entertainment, and other visitor amenities.”

That reliability matters. Irvine can support both the competition and the experiences around it, giving athletes a strong home base while placing visitors within reach of the broader Orange County experience.

But Irvine’s sports identity is not defined by major events alone. It is grounded in community access. “What really sets Irvine apart is the City’s long-term commitment to building and maintaining world-class facilities that serve athletes at every level,” Haley said.

Great Park’s Championship Soccer Stadium, home to Orange County Soccer Club, can support professional competition, while the broader sports complex serves youth athletes, recreational leagues, community organizations, tournaments, and major events throughout the year. That range is part of what makes the park such a valuable sports asset. It can meet elite standards without losing its connection to everyday access.

“These are not facilities built for one moment or one event,” Haley said. “They are community assets designed to support both elite competition and everyday access to sports and recreation.”

That connection between high-performance sport and daily community use is central to Irvine’s value as a sports destination. The same environment that supported the U.S. Men’s National Team also serves young athletes, families spending weekends on the fields, and local programs creating more ways for people to participate.

Serving as a World Cup training base camp requires more than available space. “What sets the Great Park apart is not only the quality of the facilities, but the care, professionalism, and attention to detail that go into maintaining them every day,” Haley said.

That foundation allows Great Park to support high-caliber opportunities while remaining a public asset. Even after the team’s tournament run ended, Irvine’s World Cup role showed how Orange County’s sports infrastructure can carry impact forward, drawing international attention while continuing to serve athletes, visitors, local businesses, and the community year-round.

For Irvine, serving as the U.S. Men’s National Team’s training base camp was a point of pride. For Orange County, it was another signal that its sports ecosystem is built for what comes next.