The Australian men’s national soccer team, known as the Socceroos, have made the Claremont Hotel in Berkeley, California, their home base during the 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign. With over 40 days spent at the hotel, the team has transformed the space into a personalized environment designed to foster focus and team spirit, blending historical inspiration with practical amenities.
Coach Tony Popovic, noted for his attention to detail, has extended his meticulous planning beyond the training ground to the team’s accommodations. The hotel has been decorated with Australian colors, imagery, and memorabilia including historic team jerseys and photographs from previous World Cup appearances. Vice-captain Jackson Irvine highlighted the psychological boost such elements provide, describing the historical displays as vital reminders of past achievements and the potential to create new milestones.
The choice of the Claremont Hotel, a distinctive Californian property known for its cinematic connections and English countryside-style architecture, was reportedly the team’s first preference. Located about 25 minutes by police escort from their training ground at Oakland Roots, the site offers a secure and secluded environment for the squad. Security is tightly managed by FIFA-appointed personnel, including guards equipped with German shepherds.
Hotel staff have played a role in enhancing the Australian atmosphere by adding national flags and themed decorations throughout the premises. The team’s residence, dubbed the “Castle on the Hill,” features large green and gold signage that stands out against the hotel’s white exterior.
Central to the players’ daily routine is the hotel dining room, which serves as a communal hub. Its walls are adorned with large team photos from prior World Cups and a motivational quote from former Socceroos captain Johnny Warren: “Champion teams beat teams of champions.” The dining experience is overseen by head chef Vini Capovilla, a veteran of four men’s World Cups, who works closely with nutritionists to balance performance needs with variety and enjoyment. The kitchen maintains a focus on players’ wellbeing, emphasizing safe and nutritious meals alongside familiar comfort foods such as vegemite.
Connecting the dining area with the meeting room, a hallway displays an extensive collection of Socceroos jerseys dating back to 1974, many generously donated by collectors. Gary Moretti, Football Australia’s head of national teams, said this serves as a daily reminder to the players of the privilege of World Cup qualification, an achievement that is deeply valued following past disappointments.
The team’s meeting room features a prominent Australian coat of arms against a green backdrop, reflecting Popovic’s personal preferences. Outside of training and tactical sessions, players can unwind in the social room, a technology-free zone equipped with games like pool, darts, ping pong, and video gaming consoles. Recovery and relaxation amenities include massage chairs and cutting-edge recovery equipment supplied by sponsors such as Nike, while a popular barista station caters to players’ coffee preferences.
Collectively, these “little touches” contribute to a nurturing and focused camp environment as the Socceroos seek to build on the legacy of the successful 2006 World Cup team and make a strong showing on football’s biggest stage.