The German Men’s National Soccer Team has chosen Winston-Salem as its home base for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Wake Forest University and The Graylyn Estate serving as the official training site and team headquarters. The team, which has won four World Cup titles, will arrive in Winston-Salem on June 8.
The partnership means the German squad will stay at The Graylyn Estate and train at Wake Forest’s W. Dennie Spry Soccer Stadium. Both facilities are recognized for their quality and are expected to provide the necessary environment for Germany’s preparations.
“Wake Forest University is truly honored to host the German Men’s National Team as its official training base for the FIFA World Cup 2026,” said Susan R. Wente, President of Wake Forest University. “We are eager to welcome one of the world’s premier soccer teams to Winston-Salem, our Triad community, and to Wake Forest’s W. Dennie Spry Soccer Stadium – one of the top soccer facilities in the nation, and to The Graylyn Estate – one of the nation’s most historic and highly sought-after boutique hotels. This global partnership reinforces our dedication to support a vibrant, connected region, and we are enthusiastic about the possibilities of making the World Cup experience available to our community.”
Germany is led by Coach Julian Nagelsmann. The selection of Winston-Salem highlights the area’s reputation as a capable host for international events and is anticipated to bring global attention while supporting local economic activity.
Nagelsmann commented on logistical advantages: “With our Home Ground in Herzogenaurach, we found a place that allows the team to come together regularly while still providing the necessary peace and privacy. We have discovered exactly the same conditions here at Graylyn. From a coaching and team perspective, the most important factor is the proximity to the training pitches… The cooperation with Wake Forest University is unique. We already find many things available on site and don’t have to bring everything from Germany. That makes logistics much easier. We have outstanding conditions here, both on the pitch and beyond.”
Germany’s group stage matches will be held in Houston (June 14), Toronto (June 20), and East Rutherford, New Jersey (June 25). The final takes place July 19 in New Jersey.
Other university officials also expressed their views on hosting Germany:
“Hosting Team Germany is a tremendous honor and highlight for Wake Forest and The Graylyn Estate. Our selection as their North American base validates both our university’s global standing and the world-class hospitality delivered by the staff of The Graylyn Estate. We are excited about this partnership and the memorable experiences it will offer Wake Forest and our Winston-Salem community.”
“Wake Forest is proud to partner with Winston-Salem to serve as the German Men’s National Team’s home base during the 2026 FIFA World Cup… Under leadership of Tony da Luz and Bobby Muuss, our programs have established a standard of excellence for Demon Deacon student-athletes… This is another winning moment for Wake Forest and Winston-Salem, and I am deeply grateful for collaboration that made it happen!”
Local leaders also highlighted benefits:
“Wake Forest and Winston-Salem being selected as temporary home for a national powerhouse like Germany preparing for World Cup is an incredible honor… It puts a global spotlight on our campus and city in a truly special way.”
“Hosting German men’s national team as they prepare for World Cup is an honor… This selection affirms that statement. This is once in a lifetime opportunity to share Wake Forest with world.”
Nagelsmann added further: “With this Team Base Camp, we are creating best possible conditions for successful tournament… Our close cooperation with FIFA, local authorities, Wake Forest University, hotel management has played key role in making this possible.”
City representatives welcomed visitors: “Hosting German Men’s National Team is big opportunity for city of Winston-Salem… We encourage all visitors to enjoy wonderful hotels, restaurants, shops during their visit!”
Officials from North Carolina noted: “North Carolina is destination for businesses tourists from around world… This selection followed thorough evaluation process… We’re proud to welcome team known for discipline excellence as world’s attention turns to 2026 World Cup.”
Media access will be managed by Deutscher Fusball-Bund (DFB). More information can be found at https://www.dfb.de/.
Wake Forest University serves over 1.7 million people within thirty miles of campus; it anchors ESPN’s seventh-best viewership market nationally among college sports fans.
The Graylyn Estate offers historic accommodations across its 55-acre grounds; originally built in 1932 as a private residence before becoming part of Wake Forest University in 1972.
Further details about public engagement events related to Germany’s stay will be announced later by university officials.
