The Three Lions Search for FIFA 2026 Training Facilities Amid Worries of Losing First-Choice Site to Netherlands.
The FA has dispatched scouts to the US this week to evaluate potential facilities for the forthcoming World Cup, amidst growing apprehensions that their top-pick base could be allocated by the Netherlands.
Tournament Draw Complications Change Plans
Manager Thomas Tuchel had previously cleared an FA plan for England to set up camp in Kansas following a warm-up training period in Fort Lauderdale. But, following the recent tournament draw, there are now fears that the Netherlands, who play their group stage matches in Kansas, will be awarded priority on the chosen facility at Sporting Kansas City—a high-performance centre used by US Soccer.
FIFA allocates training bases based on geographic location and FIFA rankings if there is a dispute, with the draw possibly placing the FA in competition with the Netherlands and Argentina for bases in the tournament's south-central region.
Exploring Other Locations
Given England's group fixtures scheduled to take place in Dallas, Boston, and New Jersey, the FA is now reportedly looking at other locations on the US East Coast. The association began its search for training bases at the beginning of the year, with Tuchel and director of football John McDermott touring possible sites during the Club World Cup last summer.
In spite of this advanced planning, there was always an understanding that the official tournament draw could significantly alter their logistical arrangements.
Later Round Logistics Plans
The Three Lions face the eighth most demanding group stage draw in terms of travel distance. Winning Group L would set England on course for a round of 32 game in Atlanta, followed by potential round of 16 match in Mexico City.
- Major Change: The FA may decide to move between venues for the later rounds if England qualify, a major shift from its usual protocol of having a fixed tournament base.
- FIFA Recommendation: FIFA is understood to be recommending such a flexible strategy for the expansive 2026 tournament.
After the training base is finalized, the FA will focus on scheduling two warm-up matches in Florida at the start of June.
