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Spain Chooses Chattanooga as Their World Cup Base Camp

Chattanooga just became one of the most important cities in world football. Spain's national team, La Roja, has officially selected Chattanooga as their base camp for the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The squad will stay at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Chattanooga Downtown and train at Baylor School's state-of-the-art soccer complex on the banks of the Tennessee River.

For a city that already positioned itself as the ideal home base for World Cup fans traveling to Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium, this is a game-changer. One of the world's most iconic football programs will be living, training, and preparing for matches right here in the Scenic City.

Why Chattanooga?

Baylor School's 690-acre campus along the Tennessee River will serve as Spain's training site, with the team staying at the Embassy Suites by Hilton in downtown Chattanooga. The Chattanooga Host City Authority — a partnership between the City of Chattanooga, Baylor School, Vision Hospitality Group, Hamilton County, Chattanooga Tourism Co., and The Sports & Events Corporation — put together the bid.

Spain's Group Stage Schedule

La Roja's first two matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium are just a short drive from their Chattanooga base. Check the full match schedule for times and details.

  • June 15 — Spain vs Cabo Verde (Group H)
  • June 21 — Spain vs Saudi Arabia (Group H)
  • June 27 — Spain vs Uruguay in Guadalajara, Mexico (Group H)

After the group stage, Spain's continued presence in Chattanooga will depend on their knockout round path. If they advance through matches in Atlanta, the base camp could remain active deep into the tournament.

What This Means for Fans

Having Spain train in Chattanooga creates opportunities that simply do not exist in a host city like Atlanta. Here is what fans should know.

Training sessions. Base camps often include open training sessions accessible to the public. Details on schedules and access points at Baylor School have not yet been announced, but fans should monitor official RFEF channels for updates as the tournament approaches.

A Spanish atmosphere downtown. With the team staying at Embassy Suites in the heart of downtown, expect Chattanooga's restaurant and bar scene to take on a distinctly Spanish flavor during the group stage. Local businesses are already preparing for an influx of Spanish supporters, media, and football tourists.

Watch parties with a home-team feel. Watching Spain play from Chattanooga's best sports bars while knowing the team is training across town adds an energy that no other city in the region can match. Check the watch party map for venues hosting match-day events.

A once-in-a-lifetime moment for the city. Chattanooga has a passionate soccer community built around Chattanooga FC, one of the most well-supported lower division clubs in the country. Hosting a World Cup base camp validates what locals have known for years: this is a football city.

About La Roja

Spain is among the favorites to win the 2026 World Cup. Winners of the 2010 FIFA World Cup and three European Championships, La Roja are the architects of the tiki-taka style that transformed modern football. The current squad under coach Luis de la Fuente blends experienced internationals with an exciting generation of young talent. Spanish supporters will be traveling in force, and many of them will be staying right here in Chattanooga. Read our guide for Spanish fans visiting Chattanooga for tips on dining, exploring, and getting to matches.

Plan Your Visit

If you were already considering Chattanooga as your World Cup home base, the Spain base camp announcement makes the decision easy. Here is how to get ready.

  • Book accommodation now. Hotels in downtown Chattanooga will fill up fast. The city guide has neighborhood recommendations and tips on where to stay.
  • Sign up for updates. Join our mailing list to get watch party alerts, event announcements, and the latest news on Spain's base camp activities.
  • Explore the city. Between matches and training sessions, Chattanooga has plenty to offer. The visitor guide covers everything from Lookout Mountain to the craft brewery scene.
  • Get involved. Want to help organize events or welcome international visitors? Learn about volunteer and partnership opportunities.

Chattanooga is no longer just close to the World Cup. It is part of it. Welcome to Spain's home away from home.

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