USMNT Opens Irvine Training Base With Public Session Ahead of World Cup
- Eric Liu
- Jun 8
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 26
IRVINE, Calif. — The U.S. Men’s National Team brought World Cup excitement to Orange County on Monday morning, holding a public training session at Great Park Championship Soccer Stadium in Irvine.
The event gave fans a rare chance to watch the national team train before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. It was the only public opportunity to see the USMNT practice at Great Park during the tournament, making the session one of the most anticipated soccer events in the area.
Thousands of fans filled the stadium wearing red, white and blue. Many arrived early, waving flags, wearing national team jerseys and chanting “U.S.A.” as players took the field. The atmosphere felt more like a matchday than a normal training session.
For the players, the public practice offered a clear reminder of what it means to play a home World Cup. The U.S. team entered the field to loud cheers from fans who wanted to see the group up close before the tournament opener.
The practice was not just about fitness or tactics. It was also about connection. Young fans watched from the stands hoping to see their favorite players, while families and local soccer supporters helped create a strong community atmosphere around the team.
Great Park has become the USMNT’s training base for the World Cup group stage, giving Irvine a major role in the national team’s preparation. The facility offered the team a professional environment while also giving Southern California fans a chance to be part of the build-up.
On the field, the session included light training, passing work and team drills as the players continued preparing for the opening match. While the practice did not have the intensity of a full game, every touch and movement drew attention from the crowd.
The event also showed how much interest there is in the national team as the World Cup begins on home soil. Fans treated the practice as more than a simple training session. For many, it was a chance to feel close to a historic moment for American soccer.
As the session ended, the players left the field with cheers still coming from the stands. The practice gave supporters one final public look at the team before the pressure of World Cup matches began.
For Irvine, the event was a major soccer moment. For the USMNT, it was a reminder that the country is watching.
The public practice brought together players, fans and the local community, turning a morning training session into a celebration of American soccer before one of the biggest tournaments in the sport.
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