England has made formal request to FIFA to have base camp in KC, per reports
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- England formally requested FIFA to base its 2026 camp in Kansas City.
- Argentina and the Netherlands also seek Kansas City camps.
- FIFA may approve multiple teams using KC training sites and university complexes.
When it comes to base camps at the 2026 World Cup, Kansas City is the belle of the ball.
As previously reported by The Star, Argentina’s preferred spot for a base camp is Kansas City. While there are three options for base camps in this area, Argentina is said to favor either the Compass Mineral Sporting Fields, where Sporting Kansas City practices, or the KC Women’s Soccer Training Complex, which is for the KC Current.
Reports from England said that country’s Football Association had started scouting other base-camp locations because of interest from Argentina and the Netherlands, which plays a group-stage match at Arrowhead Stadium.
However, both The Times and The Daily Mail reported Friday that England still hopes to set up its base camp in Kansas City and officially made an official request to FIFA.
This is from the Daily Mail: “FA officials have lodged their bid with FIFA to stay in Kansas City for the tournament itself. The thinking is that the Midwest city will prove ideal thanks to its location, in that it is not too far away from many of the potential venues.
“The Netherlands and Argentina are also looking to base themselves in the Missouri city, which has a wealth of training complexes.”
The third official FIFA base-camp option is at Rock Chalk Park in Lawrence and the University of Kansas’ facilities.
The Times said England is waiting for word from FIFA.
“Argentina and the Netherlands are also keen to use Kansas City,” that story said, “favored because it is no more than five hours from the majority of tournament venues, with a decision expected by the end of the month.”
The good news for England, Argentina and the Netherlands: There is room for all three in Kansas City, should FIFA allow it.
Another Daily Mail story noted England could be neighbors with Argentina, which opens defense of its World Cup title at Arrowhead Stadium.
“FIFA’s rules dictate that countries whose matches are close to cities are given first choice on the facilities with them,” the Daily Mail reported. “And there are two seeded teams who have a stronger case than England based on logistics. One of those is the Netherlands, who play one match in Kansas City and two in Texas, in Houston and Dallas. The other is Argentina.
“However, there are a number of hotels and training facilities in Kansas City which fit the bill. The city is home to a number of universities with practice complexes, along with NFL powerhouse the Kansas City Chiefs and MLS side Sporting Kansas City. As many as three nations could be based there, with England in the same city as Lionel Messi.”
