Germany have selected Winston-Salem, North Carolina, as their base for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, citing excellent facilities and minimal travel demands.
Four-time world champions Germany have confirmed Winston-Salem, North Carolina, as their base camp for this year’s FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The German Football Association announced the decision on Friday, describing the location as ideal for both preparation and recovery during the tournament.
Drawn into Group E alongside Ecuador, Curaçao and Ivory Coast, Germany will stay at the historic Graylyn Estate Hotel throughout the competition. Training sessions will be held at nearby Wake Forest University, allowing the squad to maintain a consistent routine while limiting unnecessary travel during the demanding World Cup schedule.
Head coach Julian Nagelsmann emphasized the importance of proximity in selecting the base. From the team’s perspective, having training pitches close to accommodation was a key factor, especially given the long distances involved in travelling across the United States during the tournament.
Nagelsmann praised the quality of the facilities, noting that the team will have access to three football pitches that meet all sporting requirements. The short distance between the hotel and training grounds, which can be covered on foot or by bicycle in under ten minutes, was highlighted as a major advantage.
Germany will begin their World Cup preparations by flying from Frankfurt to Chicago on June 2, where they will play their final pre-tournament friendly against the United States on June 6. Following that match, the squad will travel to Winston-Salem to settle into their base ahead of the opening group fixtures.
Their World Cup campaign begins on June 14 in Houston, Texas, against Curaçao. Germany will then travel to Toronto to face Ivory Coast on June 20 before concluding the group stage against Ecuador in New York on June 25.
With early exits at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups still fresh in memory, Germany have made no secret of their ambition to reclaim their place at the top of world football. Having not reached the final of a major international tournament since lifting the World Cup in Brazil in 2014, Nagelsmann’s side view this tournament as a crucial opportunity to restore their reputation on the global stage.
