​As France presses on with its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, Bentley University has emerged in the international spotlight as the training hub and home base for the defending champions during the tournament. Bentley Athletic Director Vaughn Williams told Boston 25 News on Thursday that hosting one of soccer’s most successful national teams has yielded a substantial and lasting impact on the university and the surrounding community. He described the situation as a remarkable opportunity for exposure and growth, noting that the attention the city has received, and the way Bentley University has been showcased in every conceivable aspect, has been immensely beneficial for both the institution and the local region.
Throughout the World Cup, France has utilized Bentley’s Waltham campus as a central base, routinely traveling to matches and returning to the university, which serves as the team’s headquarters. Williams emphasized that the heightened visibility associated with hosting the French national squad has broadened Bentley’s reach and introduced the university and the city of Waltham to audiences around the world. Beyond the sheer media presence, he said he has been especially impressed by France’s conduct off the field and behind the scenes.
“I’ve just admired how they’ve gone about their business,” Williams remarked. “How friendly, how focused, and how they’ve structured the important work to prepare for each match.” He stressed that the relationship between Bentley and France extends far beyond a simple hosting arrangement. “They’ve been beyond great partners,” Williams added. “It’s been more of a partnership, a relationship and a friendship than anything.” He attributed the smooth, productive collaboration to Bentley’s comprehensive support system, including its facilities, grounds, security, IT, and operations teams, which have fostered an environment where France can feel at home throughout the tournament.
With France still alive in the World Cup, Williams confirmed that the team intends to continue training at Bentley for as long as its run persists. “They’ve said they will continue to train as long as they’re in the tournament,” he said. The commitment to staying at Bentley during the event is a source of pride for university officials, who view it as validation of the extensive effort to host one of the world’s premier national teams. “They consider Bentley University and Waltham home,” Williams noted. “They come home after a match.”
As France prepares for a quarterfinal clash against Morocco in Foxborough, Bentley officials will be watching closely, hoping their temporary residents can keep advancing. “We hope they’re in the tournament all the way to the final,” Williams stated. This partnership has already underscored Bentley’s role on the global stage and highlighted how a university can become an integral part of an international team’s pursuit of success.
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