Strategic Selection Process

Croatia's meticulous preparation for World Cup 2026 reached a crucial milestone as the Croatian Football Federation (HNS) announced Alexandria, Virginia as the team's official base camp. The decision followed an exhaustive evaluation process that examined more than 60 potential facilities across the United States and Canada.

"We thoroughly analysed more than 60 potential base camps before the draw, and after learning the match locations we created a shortlist of camps that met our criteria, which we then visited in person and studied in detail," team manager Iva Olivari explained in the official HNS announcement.

Strategic Location Near Capital

The selected facility combines the modern AKA Hotel with Episcopal High School's state-of-the-art training center, both located in Alexandria—a historic city in close proximity to Washington, D.C. Ronald Reagan Airport sits just six minutes from the hotel, while the training grounds are a 15-minute drive away.

Technical director Stipe Pletikosa emphasized the strategic advantages: "Alexandria offers us the best combination of an excellent training centre and a comfortable hotel, with immediate proximity to the airport and a good geographical position in relation to the cities where we will play our group-stage matches."

World-Class Facilities

Episcopal High School's athletic complex provides top-tier amenities including championship-standard football pitches, a high-performance fitness facility with running track and cardiovascular equipment, and comprehensive recovery infrastructure featuring hydrotherapy, cryotherapy, electrical stimulation, and ultrasound therapy.

The AKA Hotel, which opened in April 2023, offers 180 modernly appointed rooms designed by renowned Italian architect Piero Lissoni. The hotel has earned multiple awards for its contemporary design and boasts excellent facilities including a fitness center, specialized dining areas, and lounge spaces positioned along the Potomac River in Old Town Alexandria.

Unanimous Coaching Staff Approval

Head coach Zlatko Dalić and his entire coaching staff unanimously endorsed the Alexandria selection after reviewing shortlisted options. An HNS delegation consisting of Pletikosa, Olivari, and spokesperson Tomislav Pacak personally visited eight potential camps in the northeastern United States and Canada before making the final recommendation.

"Based on everything we heard and saw, Alexandria was the best option for us, and I am pleased that we managed to secure this location," Dalić stated. "There are many factors that make a good base camp... and in all aspects, Alexandria offers the best combination of these factors."

The head coach referenced Croatia's successful previous base camps, including 'Forest Rhapsody' in Russia during the 2018 World Cup run to the final and the Hilton in Doha for the 2022 tournament, expressing hope that Alexandria would join those positive memories.

Logistical Preparation

HNS president Marijan Kustić acknowledged the logistical challenges of a World Cup spanning three countries across North America's vast geography. "We are aware that a World Cup across such a vast territory will be a major logistical challenge, but we have an excellent, experienced, well-coordinated, and hardworking logistics team," Kustić noted.

Croatia will compete in Group D alongside England, Panama, and Ghana, with matches scheduled across different North American venues. The Alexandria base camp's northeastern location provides strategic positioning for the group-stage fixtures while offering the privacy and peaceful environment the team requires for optimal preparation.

With the base camp secured months ahead of the June tournament kickoff, Croatia's focus now shifts to final squad selection and tactical preparation as the Vatreni aim to build on their strong recent World Cup performances.