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Norwegian national team picks Greensboro and UNCG as 2026 World Cup training base
Summary
City officials announced that the Norwegian national football team will base its 2026 FIFA World Cup training at UNCG in Greensboro, arriving June 2 for a stay of a few weeks; the university's facilities and local hospitality were cited as key reasons, and public access plans are still being finalized.
Greensboro city officials announced that the Norwegian national football team has selected Greensboro as its U.S. team base for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and will train at facilities on the University of North Carolina at Greensboro campus.
"Today, we are proud to announce that the Norwegian national football team has selected Greensboro as its team base for the FIFA World Cup 2026," the host stated during the announcement. City and university officials said the decision reflects UNCG's facilities, Greensboro's hospitality and a coordinated effort by the city, the Sports Foundation and the Visitors Bureau.
UNCG's athletics representative described the campus facilities as a major factor, saying, "We have a wonderful soccer facility, a wonderful stadium, the training facilities, the weight room, the physio room. Everything is just a few steps away." The representative said that combination ' along with nearby hotels ' made Greensboro a strong match for a national team base.
Mayor (Greensboro City) called the selection "thrilling" and said it puts the city "on a global stage." The mayor added that the team's presence could bring new fans to Greensboro and showcase local hospitality and service industries.
Officials confirmed the Norwegian team is scheduled to arrive on June 2 and is expected to remain in Greensboro for "a few weeks," though exact departure and detailed schedules were not provided. City and university staff said the team typically commits to at least one public-facing event and that organizers are exploring options such as an open practice, scrimmage or meet-and-greet, but specifics were still being finalized.
The announcement credited a rapid, cooperative effort involving the Sports Foundation, the Visitors Bureau and UNCG after initial contact from event planners months earlier. Officials said they will keep residents and students informed as plans for public access and community events are confirmed.
The city and UNCG emphasized that further details ' including any public-event dates and ticketing or attendance rules ' will be shared when confirmed.
