The Three Lions Explore for FIFA 2026 Training Facilities Amidst Concerns of Losing First-Choice Base to the Dutch.

England's football governing body has dispatched officials to the United States this week to look at potential training camps for the forthcoming tournament, amidst growing concerns that their first-choice base could be taken by the Holland.

Draw Complications Alter Preparations

Head coach Thomas Tuchel had previously cleared an FA strategy for England to locate in Kansas after a warm-up training camp in Fort Lauderdale. However, following the recent group stage draw, there are now fears that the Netherlands, who have their group stage matches in Kansas, will be given first choice on the chosen facility at Sporting Kansas City—a state-of-the-art centre used by US Soccer.

FIFA assigns training bases based on geographic location and world rankings if there is competition, with the draw possibly placing the FA in competition with the Netherlands and Argentina for bases in the tournament's central region.

Exploring Alternative Options

With England's group fixtures set to take place in Dallas, Boston, and New Jersey, the FA is now reportedly investigating other options on the eastern seaboard. The FA started its search for training camps at the start of the year, with Tuchel and director of football John McDermott touring potential sites during the Club World Cup last summer.

Despite this advanced planning, there was always an understanding that the official tournament draw could drastically change their logistical arrangements.

Later Round Logistics Plans

England have the eighth most arduous group stage draw in terms of travel. Topping Group L would put England on track for a round of 32 game in Atlanta, then a possible last-16 match in Mexico City.

• Significant Departure: The FA may opt to choose to travel from match to match for the later rounds should England qualify, a significant shift from its standard protocol of maintaining a fixed tournament base.
• Tournament Organizers Recommendation: FIFA is understood to be recommending such a itinerant approach for the vast 2026 tournament.

Once the base camp is confirmed, the FA will turn its attention to scheduling two warm-up matches in Florida at the beginning of June.