The U.S. soccer team has settled into its temporary home in Irvine, California, as it gears up for its World Cup opener. With the match against Paraguay just four days away, the team began using Orange County Great Park as its base for at least the group stage of the tournament. The City of Irvine, recognizing the significance of hosting the national team, organized a raffle granting fans access to a public training session.
The response was overwhelming. Thirty-two thousand people applied for the chance to watch the team practice, and 5,500 lucky fans secured a spot. It was a warm Monday morning when the supporters came to see a light 45-minute workout. This session marked the first time since his injury that Chris Richards, a key center back, fully participated in training. Richards had sustained an injury on May 17, tearing two ligaments in his left ankle, and is currently striving to regain fitness for the group stage matches.
Besides providing much-needed practice for Richards, the session was the team’s inaugural use of Championship Soccer Stadium, located 50 miles southeast of Inglewood’s SoFi Stadium, where the U.S. will face Paraguay on Friday. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino expressed his gratitude for the stadium, noting, “The environment and facilities are more than we expect. We are so grateful.”
The city-owned Championship Soccer Stadium is usually home to the Orange County Soccer Club of the USL Championship. However, they willingly stepped aside to accommodate the national team. As Dan Rutstein, president of business operations for the club, explained, “How can you not be excited about the host nation training in your facility? We’re proud to be associated with the U.S. national team.”
The Great Park spans 500 acres on the former Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, which ceased operations in 1999. It now boasts a range of recreational facilities, including soccer fields, sand volleyball, basketball, and tennis courts, as well as baseball fields and an ice arena used by the Ducks.
Bringing the U.S. team to Irvine was not a simple task. Mayor Larry Agran pointed out that the development of the park aimed to meet high standards, rivaling other notable parks nationwide. Though initial talks began five years ago, the process culminated when the Great Park was shortlisted as a potential training base in 2024. Representatives from national teams worldwide visited, and following their assessments, the U.S. team decided to train there.
On Monday, players were met with enthusiastic chants and clapping as they emerged from the upgraded locker rooms. Team captain Tim Ream expressed his astonishment, “I think we’ve all been surprised by the excitement and the buzz. Pulling up here with 5,500 fans ready to watch a training session is incredible.”
The U.S. team anticipates a fruitful stay. Hosting 5,000 eager fans at the training session certainly offered them a warm welcome.