Spain's Historic Stay at Baylor for FIFA 2026 Training

For nearly four weeks this summer, Baylor served as the training site for Spain’s national soccer team. The team’s stay brought players, coaches, staff and international media to campus and made Baylor and Chattanooga part of the day-to-day operations surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The following numbers provide context for the scope of Spain’s presence and its local reach.

$1.4 billion. Spain entered the World Cup with a roster valued at approximately $1.4 billion, making it one of the most valuable national teams in the tournament.

$53 million. The average member of Spain’s 26-player World Cup roster carried an estimated market value of approximately $53 million.

No. 2 in the world. Spain entered the World Cup ranked second in the FIFA world rankings and as the reigning European champion.

$230 million. Spain’s 18-year-old star Lamine Yamal carried an estimated market value of approximately $230 million.

Nearly five weeks. Spain used Baylor and Chattanooga as its World Cup base June 5 through June 30, when the team relocated to Los Angeles for training as it advanced in the tournament.

184 hotel rooms. The Spanish Football Federation bought out the 184-room Embassy Suites in downtown Chattanooga for its World Cup delegation. The extended stay contributed to local spending on lodging, dining, transportation, staffing and related services. A final estimate of the team’s economic impact has not been released.

125+ international media representatives. More than 125 journalists and media professionals accompanied Spain in Chattanooga. Baylor’s Alex Guerry Tennis Center was converted into a media center to support daily press conferences, interviews and other World Cup media operations.  Baylor and Chattanooga appeared in coverage by news organizations in the United States, Spain and other countries.

27,000 requests. According to local media reporting, approximately 27,000 people entered the lottery for the chance to attend Spain’s public training session at Baylor.  Attendance was limited, with selected individuals receiving two tickets each.