University Of North Texas Could Host 2026 World Cup Training

UNT Athletics was listed as a potential training site in FIFA's updated online Team Base Camp Brochure for the FIFA World Cup 26.

This inclusion features UNT as a possible "home away from home" for participating teams, offering facilities where teams can train, rest and prepare during the group stage of the tournament.

Where Would Teams Train

UNT Athletics is home to the soccer and track and field stadium, a state-of-the-art facility that opened in 2019. The stadium boasts a 14,000-square-foot fieldhouse, a sand-based soccer field, an eight-lane track and dedicated areas for field events.

With seating for approximately 1,500, including covered sections and chair-back seats, it provides a comfortable viewing experience. Additional amenities include coaches' offices, locker rooms, a team meeting area and an athlete lounge. Athletes at the UNT base camp would stay at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Denton Convention Center.

When Will A Decision Be Made

Teams will finalize their team base camp selections after the FIFA World Cup 26 Final Draw, expected to take place in Dec. 2025. The draw will determine the geographic zones for group stage matches, helping teams make informed decisions about their base camp locations.

Who Else Could Host The Base Camps

Frisco’s Toyota Stadium was previously named a potential base camp for one of the 48 teams participating in the tournament. But base camps have not been finalized. The updated brochure introduces 26 additional potential base camp options in cities across North Texas include Dallas Baptist University, University of Dallas and TCU.

Other cities include Boise, Colorado Springs, Columbus, Greensboro, Orlando, Tampa and Tucson, as well as Pachuca in Mexico. This expansion enhances the diversity of facilities available within the tournament’s footprint. Host cities like Houston and New York/New Jersey have also added new potential sites, offering national teams even more choices as they prepare for the largest FIFA World Cup in history.

“Even if a city is not staging matches, a participating team coming to stay creates a strong personal bond with the competition for people locally," World Cup Chief Operating Officer Heimo Schirgi said in an official statement. "It will see them adopt their guests as a second team during the tournament, thereby connecting even more people to the FIFA World Cup.”

North Texas World Cup Preparations

North Texas is already preparing for the next international soccer tournament. During a Frisco City Council work session on Nov. 7, 2023, officials discussed downtown projects including construction on Main Street and 4th Street Plaza, which is expected to be complete in April 2026. Construction on a new downtown parking garage is also slated for completion in July 2025. Frisco City Council recently accepted a $95,000 grant aimed at enhancing the city's police tactical teams in preparation for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.

In preparation for the major sporting event, AT&T Stadium — home to the Dallas Cowboys — is also planning major renovations worth upwards of $295 million.