Switzerland Announces FIFA World Cup Base Camp in San Diego, California

Switzerland will stay at Fairmont Grand Del Mar and train at San Diego Jewish Academy

Posted On: February 18, 2026 By : Paul Stevens

The Swiss Men’s National Soccer Team has secured a training base camp site and hotel in San Diego, California, ahead of this summer’s 2026 FIFA World Cup.

After a delegation including National Team Head Coach Murat Yakin toured five potential hotel and training locations in California following December’s group stage draw, the Swiss Football Association, or SFV, decided on the secluded luxury resort Fairmont Grand Del Mar hotel in the north of San Diego and San Diego Jewish Academy as its accommodation and training facilities respectively.

Related Stories

The two sites are located just an eight-minute drive away from each other and have also been selected for their proximity to the local airport.

According to its website, San Diego Jewish Academy’s FIFA-approved training facilities include event space, an athletic field with four full-size goals and six mini goals, training equipment, weight room, gym, six tennis courts and a multi-purpose court with lights.

“Decisive factors included its seclusion, excellent training facilities [and] short distance to the training center,” the team said in a press release. “Away from the World Championship hustle and bustle, the team is meant to develop the necessary cohesion to be ready for the games.”

“A World Championship is a big challenge, both mentally and physically,” said Yakin. “We wanted a place where we could relax, recharge our batteries, train to the best of our ability and concentrate fully on our tasks. San Diego offers us exactly this environment.”

Switzerland will play in its 13th Men’s FIFA World Cup this year, having not failed to qualify for the tournament since 2002. The team will fly to San Diego on June 2 and play two friendly matches before the competition gets underway.

In Group B, they will begin against Qatar in Santa Clara on June 13 before traveling to Los Angeles to take on the UEFA Play Off Path A winner (either Italy, Northern Ireland, Wales or Bosnia-Herzegovina) on June 18. Switzerland’s final group stage game will be against co-hosts Canada in Vancouver on June 24.

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.

Posted in: 2026 FIFA World Cup, Hosts & Suppliers, Latest News, Sites & Venues, Soccer, Sports Organizations, Sports Venues