The Three Lions Search for FIFA 2026 Training Facilities Following Worries of Missing Out On First-Choice Base to Netherlands.
The FA has dispatched officials to the United States this week to inspect potential training camps for the upcoming World Cup, amidst growing concerns that their preferred site could be allocated by the Dutch national team.
Draw Complexities Change Plans
Head coach Thomas Tuchel had previously approved an FA proposal for England to locate in Kansas after a pre-tournament training camp in Fort Lauderdale. Yet, after the recent group stage draw, there are now concerns that the Netherlands, who play their group stage matches in Kansas, will be awarded first refusal on the chosen facility at Sporting Kansas City—a state-of-the-art centre operated by US Soccer.
FIFA assigns training camps based on geographic location and world rankings if there is competition, with the draw potentially placing the FA against the Netherlands and Argentina for sites in the tournament's south-central region.
Considering Other Options
With England's group fixtures set to take place in Dallas, Boston, and New Jersey, the FA is now reportedly exploring other locations on the eastern seaboard. The FA started its search for training camps at the beginning of the year, with Tuchel and director of football John McDermott visiting potential locations during the Club World Cup last summer.
In spite of this early preparation, there was always an acceptance that the official tournament draw could significantly alter their plans.
Later Round Logistics Plans
England have the eighth most arduous group stage schedule in terms of travel distance. Winning Group L would put England on course for a last-32 game in Atlanta, followed by potential last-16 tie in Mexico City.
- Significant Departure: The FA may decide to travel from match to match for the knockout stages if England progress, a significant departure from its usual practice of maintaining a fixed tournament base.
- Tournament Organizers Encouragement: FIFA is believed to be actively encouraging such a flexible strategy for the vast 2026 tournament.
Once the training base is confirmed, the FA will focus on arranging two pre-tournament matches in Florida at the start of June.
