German National Team selects Wake Forest and Graylyn Estate as host site for FIFA World Cup 2026

Dear Wake Forest community,

With a new year upon us, I’m delighted to share an extraordinary announcement with our Wake Forest community.

The German Men’s National Team has selected The Graylyn Estate as its team base camp and Wake Forest as its official training site for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The four-time World Cup champions will arrive on June 8, reside at Graylyn, and train at Wake Forest’s W. Dennie Spry Soccer Stadium, one of the nation’s premier collegiate soccer facilities, throughout their World Cup preparation and competition.

The FIFA World Cup is a unifying global event, and Wake Forest’s involvement creates once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community partners to share in something truly special. Hosting the German Men’s National Team elevates Wake Forest, Winston-Salem and the Triad on the world stage, driving economic opportunity, international visibility, and community pride.

The German Men’s National Team is among the best in the world – known for its excellence and commitment to teamwork – and is led by coach Julian Nagelsmann, who is one of the youngest head coaches in this world-renowned event. This partnership highlights Wake Forest’s international reputation as one of the top universities in the country, both academically and in collegiate athletics.  

The team selected Wake Forest for its combination of a thriving collegiate environment, state-of-the-art athletics facilities, and reputation as one of the most beautiful campuses in the country. Graylyn was chosen for its secluded, serene setting and historic 55-acre estate, offering the privacy, focus, and home-like atmosphere required at the highest level of international competition. This partnership will put a global spotlight on Wake Forest, Graylyn and our home city, Winston-Salem, during one of the most-watched international athletic events in the world.

I would like to thank the University’s leadership team, especially Vice President of Hospitality and Auxiliary Services, John Wise, and Vice President and Athletics Director, John Currie, for their leadership, creativity, and collaboration in fostering this incredible partnership. 

Finally, I would like to thank our valued community partners, whose support was instrumental in bringing this World Cup opportunity to Winston-Salem. These partners include the City of Winston-Salem, the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, Greater Winston-Salem, Inc., Visit North Carolina, and Visit Winston-Salem.

Please join me in welcoming the German Men’s National Team to our community this summer as we experience the global spirit and excitement of the 2026 FIFA World Cup together. We look forward to sharing more details about an upcoming community engagement event with you soon.

Read the story on Wake Forest News.

Sincerely, Susan R. Wente, Ph.D.
President
Wake Forest University