SAN DIEGO (Press Release) – San Diego Jewish Academy (SDJA) will serve as the official base camp and training site for the Switzerland National team, currently ranked 18th in the world, as they prepare for FIFA World Cup 2026™.
“It’s very exciting to have international players on campus,” said Zvi Weiss, Head of School at SDJA. “We want our students to expand their thinking and explore new possibilities through unique real-world experiences. Having this unique connection to the international community and such a renowned international tournament does exactly that. This is something they’ll always remember.”
Benjamin Khamishon, a 2025 graduate from SDJA and currently playing soccer at the Sevilla FC Academy in Spain, added, “To see the world’s best training at local facilities is an incredible opportunity to spark some interest and dreams in the kids at SDJA. Knowing that players who have won trophies like the Bundesliga, Serie A, FA Cups and more are coming to my SDJA is inspiring even for me!”
The 2026 World Cup features 48 teams with matches June 11 to July 19, 2026. Competing in its 13th World Cup, Switzerland will be based in San Diego and will play in the group stage against Qatar in Santa Clara on June 13, a UEFA playoff winner in Los Angeles on June 18, and against co-host nation Canada in Vancouver.
The FIFA World Cup is the world’s biggest international soccer tournament, held every four years, where men’s national teams compete for the championship title, organized by FIFA, the sport’s global governing body. It features a lengthy qualification process followed by a month-long finals tournament.
“At SDJA, we take extraordinary pride in the facilities our student-athletes call home—fields where they grow as competitors, teammates, and leaders while creating lifelong memories,” said Nate Solow, Athletic Director, San Diego Jewish Academy. “To welcome the Switzerland National Team to train on these same grounds is both an honor and a powerful reminder of how sport connects communities across the world. We are proud to support them in their World Cup journey and to share in a moment that reflects the global reach and unifying spirit of the game.”
“Every dollar we generate from this will go directly back to supporting our students and teachers, positively impacting our community for years to come,” said Adam Benmoise, Director of Auxiliary Programs for the Academy. “We worked diligently toward this moment and it’s now gratifying to serve as a host training site for FIFA World Cup 2026™”
“We look forward to welcoming the Swiss players and showing the world that SDJA’s facilities are equipped to benefit everyone from our youngest preschoolers to the highest-level athletes competing on the world stage,” added Weiss.
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Preceding provided by the San Diego Jewish Academy.