dailyloe.com – The French national football team has selected Bentley University as its official Team Base Camp Training Site for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026. This decision was announced following a campus visit by French Football Federation officials and head coach Didier Deschamps. The team will train at the Waltham, Massachusetts campus before competing in tournament matches. This placement brings significant international attention to the university and surrounding region. The World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Bentley University was chosen after a thorough evaluation by French football authorities. The selection was based on several key factors identified by the French Football Federation. These include the university’s high-quality athletic fields and modern training facilities. The Bentley Arena’s workout facilities were specifically highlighted during the officials’ tour. The campus’s proximity to Foxborough, Massachusetts, a tournament host city, was also a decisive factor.
A delegation led by Federation President Philippe Diallo and Coach Deschamps visited Bentley earlier in the week. They conducted a comprehensive inspection of the campus’s sports infrastructure. The group toured the Bentley Arena and walked the university’s playing fields. They also held meetings with Bentley President E. LaBrent Chrite and Athletics Director Vaughn Williams. The visit culminated in an exchange of jerseys between President Chrite and Coach Deschamps.
Didier Deschamps expressed strong confidence in the selected facilities following the inspection. He stated the team received an extremely warm welcome during their campus visit. Deschamps confirmed that Bentley University represents the best available option for their World Cup preparations. The French team, known as l’Équipe de France de Football, is one of the world’s most celebrated soccer teams. They are the reigning 2022 FIFA World Cup champions, adding prestige to their base camp choice.
Bentley University President E. LaBrent Chrite welcomed the team on behalf of the institution. He stated the university is thrilled to provide a home away from home for the French national team. Chrite connected the hosting opportunity to Bentley’s institutional focus on successful outcomes. The team is scheduled to arrive on campus in June 2026 to begin their final training phase. This event positions both Bentley University and the city of Waltham on the global sports stage.[]
Source: Bentley University
