Greensboro Welcomes Team Norway
“UNCG is proud to support an international team of this caliber as it prepares to compete on the world stage,” stated UNCG Chancellor Franklin D. Gilliam, Jr. This announcement marks a significant milestone for Greensboro, North Carolina, as the city has been designated as the Team Base Camp for the Norwegian National Football Team ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) will serve as the team’s training facility, a decision that reflects the strength of local partnerships and the university’s outstanding facilities. The Greensboro Sports Foundation led the local organizing committee in collaboration with the City of Greensboro, UNCG, and the Greensboro Convention & Visitors Bureau to secure this opportunity.
Greensboro has a rich history as a destination for professional sports in the Southeast, and this selection further cements its reputation. “This selection reflects the strength of our partnerships, UNCG’s outstanding facilities, and our city’s commitment to international athletics,” remarked Greensboro Mayor Marikay Abuzuaiter.
Hosting Team Norway is expected to have a substantial economic impact, contributing an estimated $4.2 million to Greensboro’s local economy. Richard Beard, President of the Greensboro Sports Foundation, emphasized the importance of this event, stating, “It elevates Greensboro’s reputation as a global ‘tournament town’ and showcases our community’s world-class facilities and hospitality on the international stage.”
In addition to the excitement surrounding the FIFA World Cup, the University of North Carolina’s basketball team, the Tar Heels, is also gearing up for their own tournament. UNC received a double bye into the quarterfinal round as the No. 4 seed in the 2026 ACC Tournament, which starts on March 10, 2026, at Spectrum Center in Charlotte. The Tar Heels are aiming for their first tournament title since 2016.
Historically, UNC has a strong record in the ACC Tournament, with 18 championships and an overall record of 110-53 in the event. As they prepare for March Madness, the Tar Heels are projected to be a No. 5 or No. 6 seed, entering the postseason with a record of 24-7.
As Greensboro prepares to welcome Team Norway, the community is poised to showcase its facilities and hospitality to an international audience, while also supporting local sports teams like the Tar Heels. This dual focus on international and local athletics highlights the city’s commitment to fostering a vibrant sports culture.