The Three Lions Scout for World Cup Training Facilities Amidst Concerns of Missing Out On Preferred Location to the Dutch.
The FA has sent operational staff to the US this week to look at potential training camps for the forthcoming global finals, amidst growing apprehensions that their top-pick location could be allocated by the Netherlands.
Tournament Draw Complications Change Plans
Head coach Thomas Tuchel had previously approved an FA strategy for England to set up camp in Kansas after a pre-tournament training period in Fort Lauderdale. However, after the recent tournament draw, there are now concerns that the Netherlands, who have their group games 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 geography and world rankings if there is a dispute, with the draw possibly pitting the FA against the Netherlands and Argentina for sites in the tournament's central region.
Considering Other Sites
Given England's group stage matches set to take place in Dallas, Boston, and New Jersey, the FA is now understood to be investigating other locations on the east coast. The association began its scouting process for training camps at the beginning of the year, with Tuchel and technical director John McDermott touring potential locations during the Club World Cup last summer.
In spite of this early planning, there was always an understanding that the official tournament draw could drastically change their logistical arrangements.
Later Round Logistics Strategy
England have the eighth most arduous group stage draw in terms of mileage. Winning Group L would put England on course for a round of 32 game in Atlanta, then a potential last-16 match in Mexico City.
- Significant Change: The FA may decide to travel from match to match for the knockout stages should England progress, a significant shift from its usual practice of having a single tournament base.
- FIFA Recommendation: FIFA is believed to be actively encouraging such a flexible strategy for the vast 2026 tournament.
After the training base is finalized, the FA will turn its attention to organizing two pre-tournament matches in Florida at the start of June.