Quintana Roo, Mexico — FIFA will officially announce the designation of training bases or Base Camps for national teams participating in the 2026 Soccer World Cup on January 19.
This was confirmed by the Secretary of Tourism of Quintana Roo, Bernardo Cueto Riestra.
The official stated that the state maintains high expectations, though with total caution, regarding the process currently being conducted by the world soccer governing body.
FIFA to Announce Training Bases; Interest from Teams in Quintana Roo
Cueto Riestra confirmed that there are unofficial reports pointing to Portugal and Uruguay as teams interested in establishing their Base Camp in Quintana Roo.
However, he clarified that only one team could be designated per site.
He specified that, in case both maintain their interest, the final decision will depend on the official FIFA ranking, a criterion that will be decisive in the assignment.
Closed Call and Analysis in Progress
FIFA Reviews Applications According to International Ranking
The Tourism Secretary recalled that the call for receiving applications closed on January 9.
Currently, FIFA is in a process of scrutiny and technical analysis of each of the proposals received.
The applications, he explained, will be arranged according to the international ranking of participating teams, which will define which teams access the available sites.
Quintana Roo, an Attractive Option for the 2026 World Cup
Although it is not possible to advance results before the official announcement, Cueto Riestra highlighted that there is a positive environment.
This is due to the fact that the Mexican Caribbean has awakened high interest among various national teams.
Several of them, he indicated, have turned to look at Quintana Roo as a viable option for their concentration, lodging, and preparation before and during the World Cup.
Two Proposed Sites and a Historic Scenario
A Competitive Process with Risk Margin
The state aspires for its two proposed sites to be selected, which would allow at least two national teams to be hosted in Quintana Roo territory.
He considered this as an unprecedented event in the state’s sports history.
However, the secretary acknowledged that the process implies a risk, since 60 sites were considered for 48 teams, which will leave 12 without final assignment.
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