World Cup
The French team is calling the Waltham pitch and a Back Bay hotel home for the bulk of the World Cup.
Media members descend on Team France practice on Thursday. Courtesy Bentley University
June 12, 2026 | 10:02 AM
1 minute to read
Team France cited perfect grass and privacy as reasons for using Bentley University in Waltham as its home base for the 2026 World Cup.
It’s a strategic choice for one of the world’s best and also most famous soccer clubs. When Kylian Mbappe and his French teammates arrived at their tournament hotel, the Four Seasons in Boston’s Back Bay, they were greeted by a throng of fans. They’re renting out the entire hotel, by the way.
Back on the pitch on Thursday, France held their first U.S. practice of the World Cup. Here are photos and video of the practice, provided by Bentley.
Team France players run sprints at Bentley University in Waltham. (Courtesy Bentley University)Team France players work on passing at Bentley University in Waltham. (Courtesy Bentley University)So much for privacy as a crush of media descends on Team France’s practice. (Courtesy Bentley University)Team France players work on juggling. (Courtesy Bentley University)French national team players enter the field for practice. (Courtesy Bentley University) – Courtesy Bentley University
And here are a couple videos from the official Team France Instagram account:
Gary Dzen
Gary Dzen is deputy editor of sports and culture at Boston.com. A graduate of Bates College, he has worked at Boston Globe Media since 2005.
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