Argentina claim Kansas City's top training base ahead of England for World Cup 2026

Reigning world champions Argentina have claimed Kansas City’s most coveted training base ahead of England for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, securing the £56m Sporting KC performance centre while Thomas Tuchel’s side settles for the Swope Park facility on the city’s outskirts.

Both nations are among four teams based in Kansas City, Missouri — a popular hub for competing nations given its central Midwest location and proximity to match venues across the United States. The Netherlands and Algeria complete the quartet, with all four sides having now confirmed their pre-tournament bases.

Swope Park, where England will prepare, features well-maintained grounds and a large array of pitches. FIFA World Cup flags line the highway to the entrance, with a Union flag now flying alongside the Stars and Stripes beneath a sign reading ‘Home of England.’ However, the facility falls short of the state-of-the-art centre Argentina secured nearby.

Tuchel is reported to have prioritised privacy and a relaxed atmosphere, with England’s squad staying at the Inn at Meadowbrook in Prairie Village on the city’s outskirts. The heat and humidity of the Kansas City area also factored into the decision, offering useful acclimatisation ahead of potential matches in similar conditions.

The Netherlands are based at the KC Training Facility, used by Kansas’ women’s team, which comes with a brand new hotel. Their squad includes Liverpool trio Virgil van Dijk, Cody Gakpo and Ryan Gravenberch, alongside Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven, Manchester City’s Nathan Aké and Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen. A source described the facility as “second to none.”

Algeria, meanwhile, have taken up residence at a state-of-the-art gym and training complex at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, around 40 minutes west of the city.

Chris Thomas, a 40-year-old Leeds-born expat who runs a British street food business in Kansas, offered a local perspective. “Argentina won the battle of the training grounds,” he said. “Their place is state of the art and the Algeria one also cost millions. The Dutch facility is where the Kansas women’s team plays, but it is also very impressive. I think England opted for peace and quiet.”

England could face hosts Mexico at the iconic Azteca Stadium in a potential last-16 tie on 6 July.