Croatia national soccer team to base FIFA World Cup training in Alexandria
PODGORICA, MONTENEGRO - NOVEMBER 17: Luka Modric of Croatia following the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Montenegro and Croatia at Podgorica City Stadium on November 17, 2025 in Podgorica, Montenegro. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce - UE
ALEXANDRIA, Va. - The Croatian Football Federation confirmed that Alexandria, in Northern Virginia near Washington, D.C., has been selected as the training and base camp location for its national team during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
What we know:
The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) says it has chosen Alexandria, Virginia as the base camp for its national team — often called the Vatreni — ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The base camp will serve as the team’s home-away-from-home, combining training facilities and accommodations while Croatia competes in group-stage and later matches across the tournament.
Alexandria’s selection was announced by the HNS earlier this winter as part of preparations for the expanded World Cup that will take place across the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
Big picture view:
Being chosen as a World Cup base camp spot means Alexandria will host one of the world’s top soccer teams as global fans travel for the tournament. It also reflects a broader trend of international sporting events bringing economic and cultural attention to the region.
What we don't know:
Officials have not yet released detailed information about specific training sites, match travel plans, or public access related to Croatia’s presence in Alexandria.
Fans hoping to catch a glimpse of the team’s practice sessions or related events may need to wait for further details from local organizers and the Croatian Football Federation.
The Source: This article was written using information from the Croatian Football Federation’s official announcement.