Washington: Qatar will base their FIFA World Cup campaign in Santa Barbara, California, with the national team set to train at Westmont College after FIFA confirmed team base camps for the 2026 tournament.
The Qatar squad will stay in the coastal Californian city during the expanded 48-team World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from next month.
FIFA announced the official list of team base camps, with Qatar assigned to Santa Barbara, where Westmont College will serve as the team’s training site as the Gulf nation prepare for another appearance on football’s biggest stage.
“Team Base Camps are an integral part of the fabric of any FIFA World Cup,” said Heimo Schirgi, FIFA World Cup 2026 chief operating officer.
“They are where teams put down roots, train and recuperate, and experience the day-to-day rhythms of the tournament,” he added.
Defending champions Argentina and England were both assigned bases in Kansas City, while the majority of participating nations will be stationed across the United States.
According to FIFA, 39 of the 48 competing teams will be based in the United States, with seven teams located in Mexico and two in Canada.
Iran were confirmed to be based in Tijuana, Mexico, with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum saying on Monday that the country would allow the team to stay there to avoid potential United States visa restrictions.
