The Three Lions Scout for FIFA 2026 Bases Following Worries of Losing Preferred Location to Netherlands.
The Football Association has sent officials to the US this week to inspect potential bases for the upcoming World Cup, amid growing concerns that their top-pick base could be taken by the Netherlands.
Tournament Draw Complications Alter Arrangements
Manager Thomas Tuchel had earlier cleared an FA proposal for England to be based in Kansas following a warm-up training period in Fort Lauderdale. Yet, following last week's group stage draw, there are now concerns that the Netherlands, who have their group stage matches in Kansas, will be given first choice on the chosen facility at Sporting Kansas City—a state-of-the-art centre used by US Soccer.
The world governing body allocates training camps based on geographic location and FIFA rankings if there is a dispute, with the draw potentially pitting the FA against the Netherlands and Argentina for sites in the tournament's south-central region.
Considering Alternative Options
With England's group fixtures scheduled to take place in Dallas, Boston, and New Jersey, the FA is now understood to be exploring other options on the US East Coast. The association started its search for training bases at the start of the year, with Tuchel and technical director John McDermott touring potential sites during the Club World Cup last summer.
In spite of this early preparation, there was always an understanding that the final tournament draw could significantly alter their logistical arrangements.
Later Round Logistics Strategy
England face the eighth most demanding group stage schedule in terms of mileage. Topping Group L would put England on track for a round of 32 game in Atlanta, followed by possible last-16 match in Mexico City.
- Significant Change: The FA may opt to choose to travel from match to match for the knockout stages if England qualify, a significant departure from its standard practice of having a single tournament base.
- Tournament Organizers Recommendation: FIFA is understood to be actively encouraging such a itinerant strategy for the vast 2026 tournament.
After the base camp is finalized, the FA will turn its attention to organizing two friendly matches in Florida at the start of June.
