The Spanish Football Federation has officially announced that Chattanooga, Tennessee, will be the main base for the "La Roja" national team during the 2026 World Cup. This decision is a carefully considered strategic move aimed at providing the best possible conditions for the team, which enters the tournament as one of the top contenders for the world title.
According to a statement released Thursday, coach Luis de la Fuente's team will stay at the Embassy Suites by Hilton in the heart of the tranquil city of Chattanooga, while the prestigious Baylor College facilities will serve as the team's training center. This choice is logistically ideal, as Chattanooga is only a two-hour drive from Atlanta, which will host two crucial group stage matches for Spain.
Historical background and context of the new World Cup
The 2026 FIFA World Cup holds special significance as the first edition to feature 48 teams, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This unprecedented expansion presents enormous logistical challenges for the participating teams, making the choice of accommodation and training facilities a crucial factor for any team aspiring to reach the final stages. The Spanish national team enters the tournament with high morale, having won the European Championship and currently topping the FIFA world rankings. They aim to repeat their historic achievement of winning the World Cup for the first time in their history in 2010 in South Africa.
The importance of choice and its expected impact
Locally, the arrival of the European champions in Chattanooga, a city of approximately 190,000 inhabitants, is a significant event. This choice is expected to bring the city into the global spotlight, potentially boosting tourism and the local economy. For the Spanish national team, staying in a tranquil city away from the hustle and bustle of the major host cities could provide an ideal environment for focus and mental and physical preparation. Reducing the stressful travel time between matches is also a major competitive advantage, as Spain will play their first two matches against Cape Verde on June 15 and Saudi Arabia on June 21 in Atlanta, before traveling to Guadalajara, Mexico, to face Uruguay on June 27 in their final group stage match. This meticulous planning reflects La Roja's high ambitions for the tournament, which will take place from June 11 to July 19, and their desire to leave nothing to chance in their quest for a second world title.
