The Austrian National Soccer Team will be setting up its team base camp in Goleta in June and training at UC Santa Barbara’s Harder Stadium during the FIFA World Cup 2026 tournament this summer.
The Goleta City Council held a special meeting on January 12, 2026, and approved a Team Base Camp Host Agreement but did not officially find out what team it would be until it was announced on Friday January 30th by the Austrain Consulate General in Los Angeles via its social media accounts. The Consulate said, “We can’t wait for June and the boys to arrive — the team of the General Consulate will be cheering them on! Geh ma’s an!”
City of Goleta Mayor Paula Perotte said, “The City of Goleta is thrilled to welcome Team Austria, along with its delegations, media and fans to our beautiful home. We are excited to show them all what makes our city so special and to showcase Goleta and our region on a global stage. We encourage our community to help make this a world-class experience and embrace these visitors with the hospitality that our region is known for.”
UC Santa Barbara Chancellor Dr. Dennis Assanis said, “UC Santa Barbara is honored to welcome the Austrian National Team to Harder Stadium. Their decision to train here for the upcoming World Cup is a testament to the welcoming spirit of our campus and the great City of Goleta, as well as our outstanding soccer facilities.”
Kathy Janega-Dykes, President/CEO of Visit Santa Barbara, the area’s destination marketing organization, said, “Hosting an international team will deliver meaningful economic benefits, supporting local businesses, hospitality jobs and vital tax revenue for community services. Just as important, this opportunity allows our community to come together on a global stage and helps position the Santa Barbara South Coast to successfully host future high-profile national and international events with lasting community benefit.”
As part of the agreement for being a Team Base Camp Host, the City of Goleta will help provide secure transportation between where the team stays and where it trains.
Stakeholders are hoping to work with the Austrian Football Association to provide opportunities for community involvement.
According to the Santa Barbara Independent, “The Austrian team finished with a 6-1-1 record in World Cup qualifying matches last year, and the team punched its ticket to the World Cup with a 1-1 tie against Bosnia and Herzegovina in a match played in Vienna, Austria, on November 18. The Austrian team will arrive in early June, and train for a few days in Goleta before travelling to Santa Clara to face Jordan in the first game of the group stage on June 16. After that, the team will return to Goleta to train before its next two matches in Dallas on June 22 and Kansas City on June 27.”
The City will provide more information including opportunities for community participation as details become available.