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Alexandria will welcome one of international soccer’s leading clubs after FIFA selected the city as an official base camp for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
Al Ain FC of the United Arab Emirates will stay and train at Episcopal High School during the tournament’s group stage. The club’s matches will be held at Audi Field in Washington, D.C.
“Alexandria is proud to be a part of this global tournament and to host Al Ain FC in our community,” Mayor Alyia Gaskins said. “This opportunity reflects the strength of our city as a great place to live, work, visit and play.”
Alexandria is among 34 cities chosen to host team base camps. Visit Alexandria President and CEO Todd O’Leary said the city was honored to serve as Al Ain FC’s practice home base.
The inaugural tournament will feature 32 clubs playing 63 matches at 12 venues across the United States. Audi Field will host games on June 18, 22 and 26, including two featuring Al Ain FC.
Fans traveling from Alexandria can take the City Cruises Water Taxi from Old Town to Navy Yard near the stadium. Metro, rideshare services and bikeshare offer additional connections into Washington.
D.C. United’s MLS training center in Leesburg was also selected as a base camp, serving Al Hilal Saudi FC.
The tournament will begin June 14 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. The championship match is scheduled for July 13 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Tickets are available through FIFA, and every match will stream live worldwide for free on DAZN.