[WORLD CUP COUNTDOWN] The United States will be based in Irene, located between Johannesburg and Pretoria, during the 2010 World Cup. It has finalized plans to stay at the Irene Country Lodge and train at Pilditch Stadium in Pretoria, where it trained during last year's Confederations Cup.

According to Italian press reports, the USA and Italy, the defending World Cup champion, had both wanted to train at Southdowns College in Irene.

Italy will train at Southdowns College, while the Americans will stay at the Irene Country Lodge, where the Azzurri stayed during the Confederations Cup.

No date has been announced for the USA's arrival in Irene.

The base is centrally located for the USA, which will play its three World Cup group games in Rustenburg, Johannesburg and Pretoria.

Irene is near two golf courses and a cricket ground.