IRVINE, Calif. – The circus has arrived in Orange County.
It’s not the manufactured kind with ringmasters, elephants and clowns. It’s a modern version of American football, complete with drones buzzing overhead, thousands of fans in red, white and blue, and a giant hot air balloon floating above the field like a beacon announcing that next month, the center of American football is here to stay.
The U.S. men’s national team’s World Cup training camp officially opened Monday morning at the Great Park Sports Complex in Irvine, Calif. More than 35,000 people entered a city-run lottery for a chance to attend the first team practice. Only 5,500 were selected.
The line was hours long before the gate opened. It was like everyone showed up wearing a USMNT kit and carrying an American flag.
Unfortunately for fans, the heat came with it.
Under the cloudless skies of Southern California, temperatures quickly rose, sending fans scrambling for any shade they could find. Others lay down under trees, bleachers or anything that could protect them from the bright June sun. But despite the heat, no one seemed very interested in walking. Instead, they showed their support by chanting “USA! USA! USA!”
The 2026 FIFA World Cup officially kicks off later this week, but for fans, Monday was more than just watching practice. It was a celebration, marking the start of what will hopefully be a deep rivalry.
Families posed for pictures. They cheer for their favorite players. Another little girl managed to lead five star forward Christian Pulisic as she made her way through the crowd and onto the pitch. He stared at his hand, overcome with joy.
“I don’t wash this hand anymore,” he said to his parents.
Ironically, the excitement was more evident in the eagerness of the players than in the training session taking place in front of everyone.
Less than 48 hours earlier, several US players logged crucial minutes in a 2-1 loss to Germany in their final friendly at Soldier Field in Chicago. Monday’s performance reflected that fact. After the energetic presentation, the players returned to the field for stretching, jogging and passing exercises.
But the real star of the day wasn’t Pulisic, Weston McKennie or the return of Chris Richards. It was the resources themselves.
The Great Park Sports Complex looked like a World Cup training ground should look. The grass was green, well groomed and immaculate. The entire field line looked freshly painted.
“The environment and the facilities are good,” said American head coach Mauricio Pochettino. “The facilities and the people. It was an amazing combination … great facilities and great people. Thank you very much.”
Irvine provided a stunning backdrop befitting the World Cup hosts on their first day in their new temporary home. But now the real work begins.
The USMNT has just a few days until its opening group game against Paraguay on Friday night at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif. They have resources. Resources. The crowds. Attention. Expectations. Now they have to show that they have the talent to compete with the stars of the world.
Monday was loud, festive and sometimes chaotic. It felt like thousands of supporters were celebrating what this team could be.
But under the carnival atmosphere, beyond the songs, shows and patriotism, the real work will begin behind closed gates and away from all the cameras. The USMNT will try to build something in this field that can survive the pressure of the World Cup at home.
The party has started, but the story hasn’t been written yet.
