Photo: Jay Willett/WBZ NewsRadio
WALTHAM, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — The athletic staff at Bentley University has been working nonstop as they prepare to host practices for Team France ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Waltham-based college was hand-picked by the French national team back in March, based on high-quality equipment and field conditions, and proximity to Foxborough’s Gillette Stadium, where several World Cup matches will take place.
The French team will have full access to the school's athletic facilities, and Athletic Director Vaughn Williams said it’s been all hands on deck to prepare for the team's arrival.
“We’re excited to have them. They’ll move in, they’ll put their logos on things, and so on,” said Williams. “They’ll use the lockers we have over here, bathrooms. We have everything in this space.”
Williams said most of the focus has been on preparing the all-grass field, and everything is up to FIFA requirements.
“They’ll use [the field] for goalie practice, some of their sports performances, all those types of things, getting those players ready,” said Williams. “We have to have a certain requirement we have to meet, certain equipment that we have to use, and for elements to make sure it’s playable the way it needs to be done.”
Williams said keeping the plans under wraps was the hardest part, as he had over 100 people trying to get more information on the French team’s decision.
Once announced, many students were pleasantly surprised, like Sophomore soccer player Sydney Deroche.
“At first, I didn’t believe it,” said Deroche. “Seeing people post about it and hearing about it, it’s just a surreal feeling.”
Team France is scheduled to begin practice at Bentley University on June 11, and their first match at Gillette against Norway is on June 26.
WBZ NewsRadio’s Jay Willett (@JayWillettWBZ) reports.