U.S. Soccer Team Prepares for World Cup with Training in Irvine

As the World Cup draws near, the U.S. soccer team relocated to Irvine for their last preparations ahead of their opening match. The team arrived on Monday, greeted by eager Southern California locals who lined up to watch the players in action.

The U.S. team chose Orange County Great Park as their base for the group’s initial stage in the tournament. In response, the City of Irvine organized a raffle, offering local fans a chance to attend the team’s training. Out of 32,000 applicants, 5,500 fans were selected to watch the team in a 45-minute light practice.

This session was particularly significant as it marked Chris Richards’ full return to practice following an injury. Richards had been recovering from ligament tears in his left ankle, sustained while playing for Crystal Palace in May. The team is working to have him ready for the group stage matches.

The practice took place at Championship Soccer Stadium, located 50 miles southeast of Inglewood’s SoFi Stadium, where the U.S. will face Paraguay in their opener. U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino praised the venue, saying, “The environment and facilities are amazing. We are grateful.”

The city of Irvine manages the stadium, previously leased to the Orange County Soccer Club. In late April, the USL Championship club was displaced to accommodate the national team, an arrangement they welcomed. Dan Rutstein, the Orange County club’s president of business operations, emphasized their excitement and pride in hosting the national team.

The Great Park, where the stadium is located, is a vast 500-acre development. Built on the former Marine Corps Air Station El Toro site, the park has transformed into a public space featuring various sports facilities, including 25 soccer fields. Irvine’s mayor, Larry Agran, highlighted the park’s development, aiming for it to match the stature of renowned parks like San Diego’s Balboa Park. Since its conception, the city invested time and effort to bring World Cup activities to Irvine.

Agran revealed Irvine’s pursuit of a national team training base began five years ago. The Great Park was considered among several options for qualifiers by early 2024. Over two years, multiple teams evaluated the site, with USMNT’s operations manager, Sam Zapatka, selecting it after reviewing 27 facilities across the region. The decision to train in Irvine was announced in March.

The Monday training session concluded with a warm fan reception, cheering and chanting “USA!” as players appeared from an upgraded locker room. Team captain Tim Ream was impressed by the local enthusiasm, noting the 5,500 spectators’ presence for a practice session was remarkable.

Ream expressed appreciation for the stadium’s quality pitch and the support from young fans, calling it an encouraging home base. The team looks forward to future sessions, inspired by the enthusiasm shown by their new Irvine neighbors.