WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Excitement is growing among soccer fans of all ages as we inch closer to the start of the Men’s 2026 FIFA World Cup. Three competing nations will hold their base camps in North Carolina. The German National Team is stationed in Winston-Salem and held an open practice Monday night.

What You Need To Know

 German Men’s National Team hosted an open practice at Spry Stadium on Monday night

 120 soccer players from North Carolina Rush Triad attended the training session

 NCYSA: More than 75,000 statewide participants

 NCYSA: $1 million economic impact for each club hosted tournament, players spend $7 million annually on equipment

“I love most of these players,” said Liam Barlow, a soccer player for North Carolina Rush Triad. “This is probably going to be a high moment in my life for me.”

Liam Barlow and dozens of his fellow athletes with North Carolina Rush Triad, were among the thousands of soccer fans to visit German Men’s National Team’s practice in Winston-Salem Monday night. It gave them the chance to see stars from overseas up close and under the lights.

“It’s cool, I mean, just having memories and making memories with your friends, you know,” said Barlow. “It’s really fun and exciting and surreal.”

The nonprofit offers recreation and competitive divisions for kids ages 3 to 19.There’s nearly 600 participants in Winston-Salem, with other branches across the state. It’s one of several youth soccer organizations looking to build off the growing interest in the sport. 

The North Carolina Youth Soccer Association is celebrating its 50th year in 2026. A 2025 report determined that more than 75,000 players participate in the program. It also said that when a club hosts a tournament, it has a $1 million economic impact on local communities, while players spend $7 million annually on equipment like cleats, uniforms and soccer balls. 

“I think in the long run, when you host events like this in the country, it’s going to get people excited and want to get involved and learn the game,” said Kacy Charlton, North Carolina Rush Triad. 

Charlton is the director of coaching and operations for North Carolina Rush Triad. He said this was an unbelievable experience and a learning moment for his players. 

“It’s a top-five, top-ten moment in terms of soccer, not only for me, but for the club and for the community,” said Charlton. “If I was a 10-year-old kid, this is where I would want to be, to be inspired to keep going.”

Team Norway will hold an open training session at UNC Greensboro on Wednesday. Germany will kick off its World Cup run this Sunday against Curacao. 

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