Confederação Brasileira of Futebol (CBF) formalized with Fifa the list of preferred locations for training centers aiming at Copa of Official confirmation of the spaces that will house all the teams is scheduled for January 16, 2026.
The options were defined after a series of four days of detailed inspections. The delegation, made up of coach Carlo Ancelotti and selection director Rodrigo Caetano, visited several facilities in Nova Jersey.
The group also visited the cities that will host the team’s first matches in the group stage of the tournament: Nova York, Filadélfia and Miami. Este detailed process aims to ensure the best conditions for athletes’ performance.
Final approval now depends on the analysis of Fifa, which received nominations from all federations by December 9th. The CBF maintains a positive expectation that its request will be accepted, even in the face of strong competition from other participating teams.
Base options for selection
Columbia Park Training Facility appears as the CBF’s priority choice for the preparation of the selection. Este complex, owned by RB New York, team of Major League Soccer (MLS), is currently undergoing a process of modernization and renovations. The objective is to adapt its facilities to the rigorous standards required by Fifa to hold an event of global magnitude such as Copa of Mundo, ensuring that all technical and structural needs are met.
The second alternative considered by the entity is the Rutgers University training center, which offers a robust infrastructure. Como third and final option, comes The Pingry School, a place that carries a relevant history, as it was used by the Italian team in 1994, precisely when Carlo Ancelotti worked as a technical assistant, which demonstrates a certain recognition and familiarity with the quality of the space.
Decisive criteria when choosing
The Columbia Park team stands out for its already established professional infrastructure, a crucial factor for the athletes’ high performance. The partnership with the The Ridge hotel, classified by Fifa with the maximum security seal, reinforces the attractiveness of the location, guaranteeing not only a cutting-edge training environment, but also safe and comfortable accommodation. Este complex, which extends over 32 hectares, is strategically located approximately 50 km from the effervescent Nova York, offering a balance between the tranquility necessary for concentration and the proximity to large urban centers.
Logistical challenges of the competition
Travel logistics are a crucial point when choosing a training center. The Rutgers University, for example, offers a significant difference: the shortest distance between the hotel and the training ground, taking just ten minutes.
This proximity is vital to optimize players’ time and minimize wear and tear with short daily trips. Além Furthermore, the location is well connected to the airport and MetLife Stadium.
MetLife Stadium will be the stage for the team’s debut against Marrocos, scheduled for June 13, 2026, which reinforces the logistical advantage of Rutgers University as a strategic option.
Group stage itinerary
The Brazilian delegation made important visits to the cities that will host their games in the group stage of Copa of Mundo in 2026. The first stop was in Nova York, where the team will make its debut against Marrocos on June 13th.
Then, the group headed to Filadélfia, the city that will host the team’s second match, scheduled for June 19, against Haiti. Choosing these locations involved a detailed analysis.
The inspection route was completed in Miami, where the team will face Escócia on June 24th. Cada city was carefully evaluated.
On all visits, the delegation paid special attention to analyzing the available hotel network, travel routes between points of interest and the logistical support structures that will be essential during the competition.
Preparations for friendly matches
The CBF has already defined Orlando, in Flórida, as the basis for the friendlies in March 2026, which will serve as a crucial part of the preparation for Copa of Mundo. The team will face França on the 28th in Boston and Croácia on the 31st in Orlando.
All preparation for the confrontation against the French will be carried out entirely at Flórida. The structure used during Copa América 2024 left a very positive impression and will be used again to optimize athletes’ performance.
Investment in infrastructure
The delegation thoroughly evaluated various aspects of the facilities, including the quality of the pitches, the functionality of the changing rooms, the modernity of the gyms, the recovery areas and the varied accommodation options. The CBF has plans to allocate its own resources, starting in January, to complement and improve the structure of the training center that is officially confirmed by Fifa.
History of choices in Copas
França, due to its superior position in the ranking of Fifa, had priority in the initial selection process of training centers. Contudo, information indicates that the French prefer the region of Boston, which could open the way for other selections.
Senegal emerges as the main opponent of Brasil in the dispute for Columbia Park, given the circumstance that the African team will also play two matches at MetLife Stadium in the first phase. Fifa, when making its final decision, will consider travel logistics as a determining factor to ensure the best organization of the event.