The raw numbers matter here.
That level of demand says plenty about where the program sits in the public imagination. Host-nation build-ups can sometimes feel distant until the football starts; this looks different. Supporters are not just waiting for matchday. They want proximity, atmosphere and a sense of ownership before the first whistle.
The same report says entry is limited to fans who secured free tickets through a lottery, with the site not open to others on the day. That makes logistical sense, but it also creates a familiar tension around major tournaments: huge interest, limited access.
For supporters, an open training session sounds inclusive. In practice, it is still scarce inventory. That scarcity can heighten buzz, but it can also leave many fans outside the gates, especially in a football market as deep and diverse as Southern California.
Reports suggest Great Park will serve as the team’s base before the tournament, with Irvine having been selected earlier this year. That is more than a practical choice. Base camps become symbols during World Cup summers. They connect a national team to a local community and turn routine preparation into part of the wider story.
The next thing to watch is whether this appetite carries into every public-facing USMNT event before 2026. If demand in Irvine is any guide, even the training ground may struggle to contain the World Cup mood.