Uzbekistan Sets up Atlanta Base Camp for FIFA World Cup Debut

Uzbekistan’s Men’s National Soccer Team will be based in Atlanta during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as it prepares to make its debut in the competition.
The Uzbekistan Football Association confirmed that the national team will set up a team base camp training site at the training facilities of Major League Soccer franchise Atlanta United ahead of its first appearance at a Men’s FIFA World Cup. They will also stay at the same facilities in the city between matches and training sessions, according to reports.

Based in Marietta, Georgia, Atlanta United’s Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground is considered to be one of the most advanced training facilities in MLS.

Following a recent $25 million expansion, the venue now features multiple grass training fields, specialized athletic training / weight rooms, a dining hall and office spaces, while it hosts the Atlanta United Academy as well as the first team.

The training facility was listed as a potential training site in FIFA’s brochure of base camp options and was paired with the JW Marriott Atlanta Buckhead as a lodging option. However, it is not yet clear if the team will use the hotel during the tournament.

Uzbekistan will compete in Group K at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with their first match coming against Colombia on June 17 in Mexico City. They will then head to Houston to play Portugal on June 23 and finish up their group stage campaign against an intercontinental play-off winner (either Congo DR, Jamaica or New Caledonia) in Atlanta on June 27.

The team is coached by legendary Italian Fabio Cannavaro, the winning captain of Italy’s Men’s National Soccer Team at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany. Uzbekistan will play in the men’s tournament for the first time after securing a top-two finish in their group in the third round of the Asian qualifying section.

FIFA World Cup Preparations

Read the full list of confirmed base camps so far here.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, which has been expanded to 48 teams, will begin with Mexico vs. South Africa on June 11 in Mexico City, with the final being held on July 19 in New York New Jersey.