Team Panama Selects Nottawasaga Resort in New Tecumseth for FIFA World Cup 2026™

Global Stage Comes to New Tecumseth as Team Panama Selects Nottawasaga Resort as FIFA World Cup 2026™ Base Camp

NEW TECUMSETH, ON – The Town of New Tecumseth is proud to announce it will serve as one of only two official Team Base Camp host cities in Canada during the FIFA World Cup 2026™. The Town will welcome Team Panama to the Nottawasaga Resort & Conference Centre, marking a major milestone as the world’s largest sporting event comes to Canada.

The FIFA World Cup 2026™ is expected to draw thousands of international visitors to Canada, delivering substantial benefits for national and regional tourism. While matches will be hosted in Toronto, communities like New Tecumseth are poised to see international visitors and bring tourism to Simcoe County.  

“Being selected as a Team Base Camp for the FIFA World Cup 2026 is a tremendous opportunity for New Tecumseth,” said New Tecumseth Mayor Richard Norcross. “This global event will shine an international spotlight on our community and deliver meaningful economic and tourism benefits that extend well beyond the tournament.”

As part of this global event, the Nottawasaga Resort has been selected as a Team Base Camp, underscoring the quality of its accommodations, training amenities, and overall visitor experience. Team Panama will stay and prepare in New Tecumseth throughout their participation in the tournament, calling the community home during the World Cup.

“The Nottawasaga Resort is honoured to be selected as a FIFA team base camp for the World Cup 2026 and we are excited to welcome Team Panama,” said Sylvia Biffis, Director of Sales Nottawasaga Resort. “As a unique resort with two world class pitches directly on-site and extensive experience hosting previous World Cup and national teams, we look forward to providing a home away from base camp and top-notch pitches for Team Panama as they prepare to take on Ghana, Croatia and England.”

Located within easy reach of major transportation corridors and World Cup host cities, New Tecumseth offers teams and fans a welcoming alternative to large urban centres. Visitors can enjoy a more relaxed and authentic Canadian experience while remaining connected to tournament action across the region. The Town is excited to share community experiences in the months ahead for New Tecumseth soccer fans.

“This is an exciting opportunity for Simcoe County to support the World Cup and highlight worldclass local partners like the Nottawasaga Resort,” said Simcoe County Warden Basil Clarke. “International visitors regularly explore beyond their host venues, and through Tourism Simcoe County, we’re ready to welcome the world and spotlight the outstanding experiences found in New Tecumseth and across our region.”

The presence of Team Panama is expected to generate increased interest in the area, encouraging visitors to explore New Tecumseth’s local restaurants, accommodations, recreation opportunities, and small businesses, while strengthening the town’s reputation as a destination capable of hosting world‑class events.

“Hosting a FIFA World Cup team further positions New Tecumseth as a destination for future sporting events, group travel, and international tourism, leaving a lasting legacy well beyond 2026,” said Mayor Richard Norcross.

With the Town of New Tecumseth, the Nottawasaga Resort, and Simcoe County working in alignment, the region is well‑positioned to highlight its strengths and hospitality.

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Julia Jackson
Manager, Corporate Communications
Town of New Tecumseth
705-435-3900  
communications@newtecumseth.ca