UNC Greensboro has been named as the official training facility for the Norwegian National Football Team ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The team has chosen the city of Greensboro for its Team Base Camp, continuing the city and the university’s role in supporting international athletic competition.
“UNCG is proud to support an international team of this caliber as it prepares to compete on the world stage,” said UNCG Chancellor Franklin D. Gilliam, Jr. “This opportunity reflects the strength of our campus and the partnerships that make Greensboro and UNCG a premier destination for global athletics.”
Elite Spartan Facilities for the Global Game
The World Cup is the most-watched sporting event in the world. Viewership of the 2022 games were estimated at 5 billion. More than 1.5 billion watched the final match between Argentina and France.
“We are proud that Team Norway will prepare for the 2026 World Cup here at UNCG,” said University Director of Athletics Brian Mackin. “Our athletics facilities and support teams are ready to deliver an elite training environment worthy of international competition.”
UNCG’s $3.6 million Soccer Stadium, opened in 1991, features Bermuda-style grass, TV-friendly lighting, a modern scoreboard with a message center, and seating for 3,540 spectators. In 2025, during FIFA’s inaugural Club World Cup, UNCG served as a training facility for Brazil’s SE Palmeiras club, demonstrating the University’s capability to support elite international soccer programs.
“We went around to see eight different places before we chose Greensboro,” said Team Norway Project Manager Truls Dæhli. “We wanted a hotel with nature and fresh air. We didn’t want a city hotel; we wanted to be a little bit outside, and we thought Greensboro was the perfect choice for us. It’s only 20 minutes to the airport, only 20 minutes to the training facilities. So, it was an easy choice.”
A Product of Community Partnerships
The Greensboro Sports Foundation led the local organizing committee in partnership with the City of Greensboro, UNCG, and the Greensboro Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. UNCG’s world-class training facilities, proximity to downtown Greensboro, and access to Piedmont Triad International Airport were key factors in Norway’s decision, which identified Greensboro as the top choice for its Team Base Camp.
“We’ve worked closely with FIFA for over a year to bring a national team to Greensboro, and having Norway choose our city as its base ahead of the World Cup 2026 is a tremendous honor. It elevates Greensboro’s reputation as a global ‘tournament town’ and showcases our community’s world-class facilities and hospitality on the international stage,” said Greensboro Sports Foundation President Richard Beard.
The 2026 games will be held in the US, Canada, and Mexico. Team Norway arrives in Greensboro this summer to begin their World Cup journey.
“Greensboro is honored to welcome Team Norway as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup,” said Greensboro Mayor Marikay Abuzuaiter. “This selection reflects the strength of our partnerships, UNCG’s outstanding facilities, and our city’s commitment to international athletics.”
The World Cup games begin on June 11. Team Norway’s first game is on June 16 in Boston’s Gillette Stadium against the winner of a play-in round. Be on the lookout forcommunity watch parties and other opportunities to cheer on our guests.
“Hosting the Norwegian National Football Team exemplifies Greensboro’s legacy as one of the foremost destinations for professional sports in the Southeast,” said Greensboro Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Chief Executive Officer Anthony Cordo. “Welcoming fans and sports enthusiasts to experience our city and engage with local businesses will contribute an estimated $4.2 million to Greensboro’s local economy, underscoring our mission to increase tourism and support economic development in Guilford County.”
Story by Brian Clarey, University Communications
Photos by Sean Norona, University Communications
