FIFA World Cup 2026: OKC metro could play host to international teams

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — FIFA World Cup 2026, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, is just a little over a year away, and two Oklahoma cities could be potential spots next summer to serve as a home base for a World Cup team.

FIFA revealed a list on Wednesday of 63 potential Team Base Camps across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. Two Oklahoma cities were added to the expanded list, which includes Oklahoma City and Norman.

Oklahoma City's professional soccer training facility, located in the Adventure District and previously used by OKC Energy, is one of the potential sites, including the University of Oklahoma's complexes in Norman.

Additional Oklahoma locations are considering bids to be potential Team Base Camps.

What is a Team Base Camp?

A Team Base Camp essentially serves as a team's home away from home. The camps will serve as a training site, where a team will rest and where they will prepare for their matches.

Final decisions will be made and submitted by the international teams after the 'Final Draw' for the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will reveal geographic zones where teams will play their group matches.

This will give teams a better idea of where they would like to set up their Team Base Camp locations.

The Final Draw will take place sometime in December 2025.

What local leaders and partners are saying

Though we know it is ultimately out of our control whether a national team selects metro OKC as a Team Base Camp, just the fact that we could be considered is a testament to our growth as a community, our rising profile in international sports, and our commitment to soccer.  Our city hosts the Women’s College World Series, the world’s greatest basketball team, and will stage seven Olympic events in 2028.  We are also making a major commitment to soccer through MAPS 4 and prioritize our relationship with the sport. I commend everyone involved in this effort for their collaborative work behind the scenes to establish this potential opportunity, and I can assure any national team that they will find OKC to be a fantastic host in 2026.

David Holt, Mayor of Oklahoma City

Oklahoma is investing heavily in sports tourism, generating a major economic impact across the state. Over the past two years, sports tourism has generated over $250 million in Oklahoma, and our potential to support yet another global sporting event presents a chance for Oklahoma’s unparalleled hospitality to shine. I am excited for the opportunity to show off our state as a world-class soccer destination.

Matt Pinnell, Lieutenant Governor of Oklahoma

This is another opportunity to elevate Oklahoma City as a global destination. Through pristine infrastructure, first-rate accommodations, and fun things to do, all of the pieces are in place to provide a ‘home away from home’ for the world’s best national teams.

Zac Craig, President of Visit OKC

Oklahoma City is now a contender to support the world’s best soccer teams and further demonstrate what we’re capable of on the biggest stage in sports. Not only is FIFA’s recognition significant for the region, but it is yet another example of our city’s growth and momentum. At Echo, we are proud to be at the forefront of the next chapter for professional soccer and sports & entertainment in OKC – an investment that will energize our community and devoted fans anywhere.

Christian Kanady, Partner and CEO of Echo

The Oklahoma Sooners are thrilled to open our doors and be included among the sites considered to host national teams for the World Cup. Our state is home to high-performance soccer facilities and a strong and growing fanbase. We’re incredibly thankful for the opportunity to support some of the world’s best squads as they compete on the largest stage in all of international soccer.

Mackenzie Dilbeck, Deputy A.D. of the University of Oklahoma

Oklahoma has united around the world’s game, and we are proud to extend our top-class facilities and renowned hospitality in support of the most historic World Cup ever. This marks another milestone in our region’s emergence as a location for international sporting events. On our part, we are incredibly proud to offer OKC’s pro soccer training facility as one of those world-class options.

Court Jeske, President of OKC for Soccer