Spokane and Gonzaga University have the exciting potential to be part of the most anticipated sporting event in the world, the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The city has been nominated as a key candidate for a “Team Base Camp” in the upcoming World Cup, according to an official statement released by the city of Spokane in conjunction with FIFA’s announcement.
On Thursday, FIFA unveiled an impressive lineup of 26 additional cities that could serve as primary bases for national teams during the group stage of the tournament. This brings the total number of potential base camp locations to 49, with the promise of further additions as the event approaches.
If Spokane ultimately earns selection, a national soccer team would have the opportunity to train at Gonzaga’s state-of-the-art soccer facilities while enjoying accommodations in a Spokane hotel.
“We are incredibly honored that Gonzaga University has been selected as a proposed team base camp for FIFA World Cup 2026,” Gonzaga President Thayne McCulloh remarked in the news release. “We look forward to providing world-class facilities and a supportive environment for the teams, contributing to the success of this prestigious global event. Hosting teams from around the world will not only enhance our campus but also unite our community in the spirit of international sportsmanship.”
Across the three host nations, sixteen stadiums will showcase the international soccer tournament, with Lumen Field, the home of the Seattle Seahawks, Sounders FC, and OL Reign, as well as BC Place in Vancouver, British Columbia, being the closest venues to Spokane.
Currently, the potential base camp cities in the Northwest include the Seattle suburb of Renton, Spokane, and Boise.
State Senator-Elect Marcus Riccelli, a Democrat from Spokane, has actively championed for Spokane to be chosen as a training hub. He previously held a strategic meeting with the Seattle FIFA World Cup 26 organizing committee, alongside officials from Gonzaga, the city government, Visit Spokane, and members of the local soccer community last November in Spokane.
“Gonzaga’s top-notch facilities and Spokane’s welcoming community make it an ideal location for a national team to prepare for the FIFA World Cup,” Peter Tomozawa, CEO of Seattle FIFA World Cup 26, shared in the release. “Today’s announcement is a fantastic step to ensure we can showcase the best of Washington in 2026.”
Riccelli explained that while FIFA determines which cities will serve as base camps, it is ultimately up to the teams to select the locations where they wish to train. Cities will not receive confirmation of their status until early 2026.
Teams typically conduct training sessions that last from a few weeks to a month in the designated cities, arriving just a couple of weeks before the group stage, which is slated to run from June 11 to June 27, 2026.
Riccelli, who has a background as a soccer player, coach, and referee, emphasized his desire to demonstrate to the FIFA committee that Spokane—whom he describes as the “soccer heartbeat of the Inland Northwest”—is enthusiastic about hosting a team and can attract soccer players and fans from a wide region.
“I really appreciate the Seattle World Cup committee giving us this opportunity and being so inclusive to try to make this a statewide success,” he noted.
This announcement follows the Spokane Velocity’s remarkable journey to the USL League One title game, where they recently faced a hard-fought loss to Union Omaha. Meanwhile, the Spokane Zephyr, a new professional women’s soccer team, is actively competing in their inaugural season.
Riccelli hopes that the enthusiastic support shown by Spokane fans for both professional soccer teams showcases the community’s deep passion for the sport.
509 Syndicate President Jonathan Ehrenberg expressed his excitement about the possibility of hosting a talented international soccer team for training in Spokane for an entire month.
He remarked how his years of living in the area allowed him to fully appreciate the vibrant soccer community that Spokane has cultivated, particularly through the presence of the two professional teams.
“The coming together of the community has been pretty incredible,” Ehrenberg commented.
Riccelli believes that Spokane residents will cheer first for the U.S. national teams, but will also warmly embrace whichever team chooses to practice in Spokane.
He mentioned the promising economic development opportunities that could arise if Spokane is selected as a base camp.
Rose Noble, CEO of Visit Spokane, emphasized the city’s “vibrant small businesses, world-class hotels, beautiful parks, and a dynamic downtown” in the official release.
“We are a short flight from Seattle and other matchday destinations,” Noble stated. “This basecamp opportunity only reinforces Spokane’s important and exciting role in Washington’s FIFA World Cup 2026 planning, hosting, and celebration. We are excited to be a partner in the world’s largest sporting event.”
Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown also expressed her excitement regarding the opportunity to host a World Cup team.
“This announcement underscores Spokane’s growing reputation as a sports destination city and a key part of the statewide efforts to welcome the world’s game to communities throughout Washington,” Brown stated in the release. “We look forward to next steps in the planning process and the anticipation as we draw closer to the tournament.”
What are the expected economic benefits for Spokane if it successfully hosts a FIFA World Cup team base camp in 2026?
**Interview with State Senator-Elect Marcus Riccelli on Spokane’s Bid for FIFA World Cup 2026 Team Base Camp**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Riccelli. Spokane has recently been nominated as a potential team base camp for the FIFA World Cup 2026. How does it feel to see Spokane recognized in this way?
**Marcus Riccelli:** It’s incredibly exciting for our city! This nomination highlights Spokane’s unique attributes and our strong community spirit, which we hope will attract a national team to train here. It’s an opportunity for Spokane to showcase what we have to offer on a global stage, and we’re ready to demonstrate that we are the “soccer heartbeat of the Inland Northwest.”
**Interviewer:** You’ve been a major advocate for Spokane throughout this process. Can you share some insights on the meetings and discussions that have taken place to position Spokane as a suitable training hub?
**Marcus Riccelli:** Absolutely. Last November, I organized a strategic meeting with the Seattle FIFA World Cup 26 organizing committee, alongside representatives from Gonzaga University, the city government, and local soccer organizations. It was crucial to present a united front and show how our facilities, like those at Gonzaga, can meet the high standards FIFA expects. These discussions focused on how Spokane can support a national team through both training facilities and accommodations.
**Interviewer:** Gonzaga’s soccer facilities have been highlighted as top-notch. What specific advantages do you think they bring to a national team considering Spokane as a base camp?
**Marcus Riccelli:** Gonzaga has invested significantly in their athletic facilities, making them state-of-the-art for training. The combination of these facilities with the welcoming atmosphere of Spokane creates an ideal environment for teams to prepare. Moreover, Spokane has a vibrant soccer culture, which helps foster a sense of community and support that international teams will appreciate.
**Interviewer:** The announcement of Spokane’s nomination comes shortly after the Spokane Velocity’s strong performance in the USL League One. How do you think the local soccer scene impacts Spokane’s bid for the World Cup?
**Marcus Riccelli:** The recent successes of teams like the Spokane Velocity and the emergence of the Spokane Zephyr are significant. They reflect the growing enthusiasm for soccer in our region. This local passion not only enhances our credibility as a potential host but also shows FIFA that Spokane has an active and engaged soccer community. It’s vital that we demonstrate this level of support and excitement as we pursue hosting responsibilities.
**Interviewer:** Looking ahead, what are the next steps for Spokane as it awaits confirmation from FIFA about the base camp selection?
**Marcus Riccelli:** While we’ve been nominated, the ultimate decision rests with FIFA and the teams themselves, which will be finalized in early 2026. In the meantime, we’re preparing to showcase our community and engage with local soccer fans and businesses to build momentum. We want to ensure that if a team chooses Spokane, they will feel welcomed and supported throughout their time here.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Senator Riccelli, for your insights and for supporting Spokane’s exciting journey toward potentially hosting a national team for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
**Marcus Riccelli:** Thank you for having me! I’m looking forward to what the future holds for Spokane and our vibrant soccer community.
