The Football Association is poised to select Kansas City as its primary choice for England's team base during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Daily Mail Sport can reveal. This decision follows extensive planning and consultation with senior players, including captain Harry Kane.
From Backburner to Front-Runner
Initial reports had suggested Kansas City, once favoured for its central US location, had been deprioritised after the tournament draw placed England's group stage matches on the East Coast. The Three Lions will play in Dallas, Boston, and New York/New Jersey, leading to speculation about 'venue-hopping' instead of a fixed camp.
However, it is now understood the Missouri city is firmly back on the agenda and could host Thomas Tuchel's squad for their entire campaign in North America. The FA will formally submit its preferred travel plans to FIFA on Friday night.
Logistical Battles and Shared Bases
Securing the base is not guaranteed. FIFA rules grant first choice of facilities to nations playing matches closest to a city. The Netherlands and Argentina have a stronger logistical claim than England under these regulations. The Dutch play one match in Kansas City and two in Texas, while Argentina's itinerary also strengthens their case.
Despite this, Kansas City boasts numerous suitable hotels and training facilities, including complexes at local universities and the grounds of NFL's Kansas City Chiefs and MLS side Sporting Kansas City. It is feasible that up to three nations could be based there, potentially placing England in the same city as Argentina's Lionel Messi.
Strategic Benefits and a Home from Home
The central location of Kansas City offers a significant strategic advantage. Flight times to most potential knockout stage venues are under three-and-a-half hours, reducing travel fatigue for the squad.
The FA has invested considerable effort in previous tournaments to create a personalised, settled base for players and is keen to replicate that 'home from home' environment in 2026. Officials have undertaken multiple fact-finding trips to the USA to navigate the uniquely complex logistics of this sprawling trans-national tournament.
Awaiting FIFA's Verdict
England will lodge Kansas City as their first-choice base and await a formal offer from FIFA. Plans for accommodation beyond the group stages will also be submitted, though these may change depending on the team's progress. The final decision from world football's governing body is expected by the end of this month.
