Argentina’s soccer federation explains why it picked KC for World Cup base camp
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Argentina will base its 2026 World Cup camp in Kansas City, preparing for group matches.
- Lionel Messi will lead Argentina as they defend the 2022 World Cup title in 2026.
- Team will train at Sporting Kansas City facility, play opening match at Arrowhead.
One of the best soccer players the world has ever seen will be spending a good chunk of his summer in Kansas City.
The Argentine soccer team will begin the defense of its World Cup championship with a match at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium this June. To prepare for the tournament, the team also will have its base camp in Kansas City.
The move had been expected, as reports from Argentina last month indicated the team would make Kansas City its home away from home.
It was made official Wednesday by the Argentine Football Association.
“Ahead of the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Argentine national team, led by Lionel Scaloni, will be based in Kansas City for a significant portion of the tournament,” the AFA wrote on its website.
Argentina is one of four teams expected to have 2026 World Cup base camps in the Kansas City area. The others are England, the Netherlands and Algeria.
Why Argentina picked Kansas City
Argentina likely will be training at the Compass Mineral Sporting Fields, where Sporting Kansas City practices. Because it is ranked second in the world (behind Spain) and plays a match in Kansas City, Argentina had first choice of which facility to use in KC.
The AFA said it made multiple trips to Kansas City with a contingent including trainers Luis Martín and Juan Tamone, along with administrators Daniel Cabrera and Alberto Pernas.
“Following a thorough final report, it was concluded that Kansas City would be the ideal location to face the competition, based on the distances between cities but mainly on the amenities available for the delegation,” the AFA said on its website.
“The Kansas City metropolitan area is the largest, most influential and most important economy in its region, historically alongside Chicago and Cincinnati.”
The AFA included this map on its website, and it shows Kansas City’s proximity to other World Cup venues.
Argentina, which is led by Lionel Messi, won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. They are three-time champions of soccer's biggest tournament.
Messi, who played in the World Cup for the first time in 2006, will likely retire from international competition after this tournament. He has scored nearly 900 career goals for his clubs and country.
Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas hailed the news.
“¡Vamos, vamos, Argentina! Kansas City is thrilled to welcome reigning World Cup Champion Argentina to Kansas City for the 2026 World Cup,” Lucas said in a news release. “With a base camp in Kansas City, an opening match at the legendary Kansas City Stadium, and a potential quarterfinal match in our hometown, Kansas City will be closely following La Albiceleste during the entire tournament. With flights already scheduled between Buenos Aires and Kansas City, our region is excited to host the best players and fans in the world for an incredible experience in the Heart of America.”
Argentina plays its first match of the 2026 World Cup against Algeria on June 16 at Arrowhead Stadium.
“Hosting Argentina is a true honor,” Pam Kramer, CEO of KC2026, said in a statement. “Argentina is one of the most iconic teams in the world of football, representing excellence, passions, and a deep connection between the team and supporters. In Kansas City, we understand what it means to rise to that level, and we’re excited to welcome the team and be part of their World Cup journey.”
This story was originally published February 4, 2026 at 1:36 PM.
