The French National Team at Bentley: A Look Back
During its impressive run to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ semifinals, the French national football team captured the hearts of fans worldwide. Forward Kylian Mbappé made history by winning the prestigious FIFA World Cup Golden Boot for the second time after scoring 10 goals in the tournament.
As the official base camp training site for l’Équipe de France de Football, Bentley got to share in the team’s journey as they trained for matches and built impactful community connections. The French Football Federation selected Bentley based on its top-quality athletic fields, modern work-out facilities in the Bentley Arena and proximity to the stadium where games were played in Foxborough, Mass.
From the time team buses arrived on campus, there was excitement in the air. Training sessions drew a strong media presence and an outpouring of support from fans and the Bentley community. Among the highlights: Community Training Day, where local youth soccer players got the chance to meet and practice with the French players, take selfies and collect autographs.
Serving as “home” for France left a lasting impression on the university. Here are some story highlights from the Bentley Newsroom — and beyond.
Bentley welcomes French National Team
Bentley University was chosen by l’Équipe de France de Football as its official Team Base Camp Training Site for the FIFA World Cup 2026™.
French National Team arrives at Bentley
A behind-the-scenes look at the French National Team’s arrival at Bentley as the players, coaches and staff begin their 2026 FIFA World Cup™ preparations in Waltham.
Preparing a Field for World Cup Training
From natural grass mowed to 9/10 inch to precise irrigation and drainage, Director of Facilities Services Ryan Gaffey is getting Bentley’s field FIFA-ready.
Community Training Day
As the French National Team continued its 2026 FIFA World Cup™ preparations at Bentley, Community Training Day brought youth soccer players, state leaders and invited guests to campus.
French National Team at Bentley University
It was an unforgettable chapter at Bentley as the French National Team made campus its home base. Relive the excitement, memorable moments and behind-the-scenes highlights through this playlist.
Boston 25 News
“‘They come home here’: Bentley embraces role as France’s World Cup headquarters”
The Washington Post
“This college field in Massachusetts is key to France’s World Cup hopes”
The Boston Globe
“Why is France practicing at Bentley University? Perfect grass and complete privacy.”
NBC10 Boston
“Exclusive look inside French national team’s World Cup training facility”
WHDH
“Bentley University hosts youth soccer clinic alongside France national team”