CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Spain’s national soccer team is expected to use Baylor School as its primary base camp ahead of its opening matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to a report published Monday by Sports Illustrated Mexico.
The report, attributed to Antonio Muelas Aberasturi, a commentator for Spain’s national team on RNE Deportes, states that La Roja will train at Baylor School prior to its first two Group H matches, both scheduled to be played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Spain is slated to open its World Cup campaign against Cape Verde on June 15 (12 p.m. ET) before facing Saudi Arabia on June 21 (12 p.m. ET).
As of Tuesday, neither Baylor School officials nor the office of Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly had confirmed the report.
Why Chattanooga?
According to Sports Illustrated Mexico, Spain selected Chattanooga over three FIFA-approved options in the Atlanta area. The report claims the Spanish federation declined Atlanta United’s training facility, which reportedly made only its youth academy fields available.
Baylor School was ultimately chosen for its “controlled and private environment,” top-tier training fields, and secluded campus, which Spain believes will better support logistics and security during the tournament.
Spain is also expected to stay at The Read House hotel in downtown Chattanooga throughout its initial World Cup stay.
A Familiar Host for International Clubs
Baylor School has recent experience hosting elite international teams. The campus previously served as a training base for Auckland City FC ahead of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, adding credibility to its World Cup-level infrastructure.
While Chattanooga will not serve as Spain’s permanent base throughout the tournament, the city is expected to host the team during the early stages. Spain’s final group match will be played June 26 against Uruguay at Akron Stadium in Zapopan, Mexico.
Spain Among World Cup Favorites
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will run from June 11 to July 19, featuring 48 teams across 12 groups in 16 host cities.
Spain enters the tournament as one of the leading contenders alongside Argentina, Brazil, England, and France. The team is coached by Luis de la Fuente and features a star-studded roster led by Lamine Yamal and Pedri González, ranked among the world’s top players by The Guardian.
Spain’s lone World Cup title came in 2010, when Andrés Iniesta’s extra-time goal secured a 1-0 victory over the Netherlands in the final in Johannesburg.
What It Means for the Region
If confirmed, Spain’s presence would place Chattanooga firmly on the global soccer map during the world’s biggest sporting event, bringing international attention, tourism, and economic impact to the region ahead of Atlanta’s World Cup matches.
Call to Action
Stay tuned for official confirmation and full 2026 World Cup coverage.
Follow updates on team base camps, match venues, and how Atlanta and the Southeast are preparing to welcome the world for FIFA World Cup 26.
Author: Quique Lopez
Quique Lopez doesn’t just cover soccer—he deconstructs it with the precision of a veteran and the wit of a storyteller. A former player who sees the pitch as both a tactical chessboard and a cultural stage, Quique balances sharp critiques with a genuine love for the game’s soul. He’s as quick to call out the ego of a superstar as he is to find the hidden beauty in a local derby.