FIFA’s selection of training camp locations for the 2026 World Cup includes two teams based in Canada, with Panama choosing Ontario’s Nottawasaga Resort in New Tecumseth as its base. The resort, situated roughly an hour north of Toronto, offers the Panamanian squad a rural setting with extensive facilities suited for elite training.
New Tecumseth, a town of about 44,000 residents, contrasts with the nearby urban centers of Toronto and Vaughan, providing a quieter environment for players to focus. The resort spans approximately 230 hectares and features two international-sized soccer fields, lodging accommodations sufficient for a 26-man roster and their supporting staff, two pools, and 36 holes of golf, all within walking distance. This proximity reduces the complexity of transit logistics, such as managing buses alongside the security and escorts mandated by FIFA protocols.
The facility has a longstanding reputation as a training site for high-level soccer teams. Both the Canadian national teams and Portugal’s Sporting Lisbon have trained there, as did Germany’s men’s national team prior to the 1994 World Cup. Germany’s coach at the time, Berti Vogts, requested the construction of the second field to meet their preparation needs, highlighting the resort’s appeal for international squads.
Canada Soccer approached the resort in 2019 regarding its potential as a World Cup base camp. After Toronto was announced as a host city in 2022, and final base-camp locations were decided in 2024 and 2025, three teams—Norway, Croatia, and Panama—scouted the resort. Panama was ultimately selected based on FIFA’s criteria, which included team preference, rankings, and proximity to scheduled matches.
The Panamanian team arrived at Nottawasaga Resort on June 7 and have expressed positive impressions of the environment. Players noted that the location’s remoteness may aid concentration, and goalkeeper César Samudio commented on the appeal of the natural surroundings. On June 11, an open practice attended by roughly 300 spectators showcased the team’s preparations on a newly upgraded pitch, featuring Kentucky bluegrass and enhanced drainage and irrigation systems to meet FIFA standards.
The event drew local residents and Panamanian expatriates alike, including families who appreciated the rare chance to see international players close-up. Panamanian baseball player José Caballero also attended and praised the resort’s facilities despite the distance from his accommodations.
Panama’s opening match against Ghana is scheduled for June 14 at Toronto’s BMO Field. The ongoing presence of the team at Nottawasaga Resort represents a significant moment for New Tecumseth, which Mayor Richard Norcross described as its largest sports-related event. The resort’s leadership, managed by siblings Dino and Sylvia Biffis, emphasized their commitment to maintaining the family legacy and continuing to host world-class athletes. The World Cup spotlight, they said, would have made their late father, founder Lou Biffis, proud.