England Scout for FIFA 2026 Training Facilities Following Fears of Losing Preferred Base to Netherlands.
The Football Association has sent officials to the US this week to look at potential training camps for the upcoming tournament, amid increasing concerns that their first-choice base could be taken by the Holland.
Draw Complications Change Arrangements
Head coach Thomas Tuchel had previously approved an FA plan for England to set up camp in Kansas following a pre-tournament training period in Fort Lauderdale. However, following last week's tournament draw, there are now fears that the Netherlands, who play their group games in Kansas, will be awarded priority on the chosen facility at Sporting Kansas City—a high-performance centre operated by US Soccer.
FIFA allocates training bases according to geography and world rankings if there is competition, with the draw possibly placing the FA against the Netherlands and Argentina for sites in the tournament's south-central region.
Considering Other Locations
Given England's group stage matches set to take place in Dallas, Boston, and New Jersey, the FA is now reportedly exploring other locations on the east coast. The FA began its search for training bases at the start of the year, with Tuchel and director of football John McDermott touring potential locations during the Club World Cup last summer.
Despite this advanced preparation, there was always an acceptance that the official tournament draw could significantly alter their plans.
Later Round Travel Strategy
The Three Lions have the eighth most arduous group stage schedule in terms of mileage. Topping Group L would set England on track for a round of 32 game in Atlanta, then a possible round of 16 match in Mexico City.
- Major Change: The FA may decide to travel from match to match for the later rounds should England qualify, a significant departure from its usual protocol of maintaining a fixed tournament base.
- Tournament Organizers Encouragement: FIFA is believed to be recommending such a flexible strategy for the vast 2026 tournament.
After the training base is confirmed, the FA will focus on arranging two friendly matches in Florida at the beginning of June.
