The Three Lions Scout for FIFA 2026 Camps Following Fears of Losing Preferred Base to the Dutch.
The Football Association has sent scouts to the US this week to evaluate potential facilities for the forthcoming global finals, amidst growing worries that their top-pick base could be allocated by the Dutch national team.
Tournament Draw Complications Alter Plans
Head coach Thomas Tuchel had earlier cleared an FA strategy for England to locate in Kansas after a pre-tournament training camp in Fort Lauderdale. Yet, after the recent group stage draw, there are now fears that the Netherlands, who have their group games in Kansas, will be given priority on the desired facility at Sporting Kansas City—a high-performance centre used by US Soccer.
The world governing body allocates training camps according to geographic location and world rankings if there is competition, with the draw potentially placing the FA against the Netherlands and Argentina for bases in the tournament's south-central region.
Considering Alternative Options
With England's group fixtures scheduled to take place in Dallas, Boston, and New Jersey, the FA is now reportedly investigating other options on the US East Coast. The FA started its search for training camps at the beginning of the year, with Tuchel and technical director John McDermott touring potential sites during the Club World Cup last summer.
Despite this advanced preparation, there was always an understanding that the official tournament draw could drastically change their logistical arrangements.
Later Round Travel Plans
England face the eighth most arduous group stage schedule in terms of travel distance. Topping Group L would put England on course for a round of 32 game in Atlanta, followed by possible round of 16 tie in Mexico City.
- Major Departure: The FA may opt to choose to travel from match to match for the later rounds should England qualify, a major shift from its usual protocol of maintaining a single tournament base.
- FIFA Recommendation: FIFA is believed to be actively encouraging such a flexible approach for the expansive 2026 tournament.
After the base camp is finalized, the FA will turn its attention to arranging two warm-up matches in Florida at the start of June.
