From Colombia to Iran: these are the teams based in Mexico for the 2026 World Cup

FIFA has confirmed the training sites of the 48 nations set to compete at the 2026 World Cup - and Mexico will play a significant role well beyond its status as a venue for the tournament action. In addition to staging games in Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey, the country will welcome seven national sides that have chosen to establish their base camps on Mexican soil during the event.

Which World Cup teams will be based in Mexico?

Colombia, Iran, South Korea, South Africa, Tunisia, Uruguay, and the Mexican national team itself have all opted to train and prepare for their group-stage matches in Mexico. The decision underscores the country’s growing logistical and sporting importance within the broader World Cup ecosystem.

In a press release, FIFA emphasized that these team base camps are critical to the tournament’s operation, effectively serving as each squad’s “home away from home” for several weeks.

Where will the World Cup’s Mexico-based teams be?

• Colombia: Academia Atlas FC, Guadalajara
• Iran: Centro Xoloitzcuintle, Tijuana
• Mexico: Centro de Alto Rendimiento, Mexico City
• South Africa: Universidad Del Futbol, Pachuca
• South Korea: Chivas Verde Valle, Guadalajara
• Tunisia: Rayados Training Centre, Monterrey
• Uruguay: Mayakoba Training Centre, Cancún

“Integral part of the fabric of any World Cup”

This distribution elevates Guadalajara as one of the tournament’s key training hubs, with both Colombia and South Korea choosing club facilities in the city as their operational bases.

While the World Cup will officially be held across 16 host cities in Mexico, the U.S., and Canada, FIFA made it clear that the tournament’s footprint will extend far beyond those primary markets.

In total, 25 non-host locations will serve as base camps for national teams throughout the competition. In Mexico, those cities include Cancún, Pachuca, and Tijuana - each set to become strategic hubs for different federations.

FIFA noted that the presence of national teams in these cities will drive economic activity, boost tourism, and deliver global exposure to local communities.

“Team base camps are an integral part of the fabric of any FIFA World Cup,” said Heimo Schirgi, chief operating officer for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Schirgi also highlighted that the logistical scale of the upcoming tournament is “unprecedented”, driven largely by the expansion to 48 teams.

Another notable aspect is the prominent role of Liga MX club infrastructure in the tournament setup. Chivas will host South Korea at Verde Valle, Atlas will welcome Colombia to its training academy, and Monterrey’s Rayados will serve as Tunisia’s base. Meanwhile, Club Tijuana will host Iran, and Pachuca will open the doors of its prestigious University of Football to South Africa.

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