England are exploring alternative training camp locations for the 2026 World Cup amid growing concern that their preferred base in Kansas could be allocated to the Netherlands instead. The FA has sent staff to the United States this week to scout possible sites, particularly on the east coast, as a contingency.
Thomas Tuchel had approved plans for England to train at Sporting Kansas City’s high-performance centre following a pre-tournament camp in Fort Lauderdale. However, because the Netherlands will play group matches in Kansas, Houston and Arlington, FIFA rules on proximity mean they are likely to receive first choice for the facility. Argentina, who also play in Kansas and Arlington, could present further competition for bases in the region.
England’s own fixtures are spread across Dallas, Boston and New Jersey, giving them one of the most travel-heavy schedules of the tournament. If England progress, routes could involve knockout games in Atlanta and potentially Mexico City, prompting the FA to consider moving base between matches instead of remaining in a single camp—an unusual shift from standard practice.
Once a camp is secured, the FA will begin arranging two warm-up friendlies in Florida for early June, ahead of England’s campaign.
