England Search for World Cup Camps Amidst Fears of Missing Out On First-Choice Site to the Dutch.
The FA has dispatched operational staff to the United States this week to inspect potential facilities for the upcoming World Cup, amid growing apprehensions that their top-pick base could be allocated by the Holland.
Draw Complications Disrupt Arrangements
Head coach Thomas Tuchel had previously approved an FA plan for England to be based in Kansas after a warm-up training camp in Fort Lauderdale. Yet, following the recent tournament draw, there are now fears that the Netherlands, who play their group games in Kansas, will be given first choice on the desired facility at Sporting Kansas City—a high-performance centre operated by US Soccer.
The world governing body allocates training camps according to geographic location and FIFA rankings if there is competition, with the draw potentially placing the FA in competition with the Netherlands and Argentina for bases in the tournament's south-central region.
Considering Other Options
With England's group fixtures set to take place in Dallas, Boston, and New Jersey, the FA is now reportedly exploring other options on the US East Coast. The association began its search for training bases at the start of the year, with Tuchel and technical director John McDermott touring potential locations during the Club World Cup last summer.
In spite of this advanced preparation, there was always an acceptance that the official tournament draw could significantly alter their plans.
Knockout Stage Logistics 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 potential round of 16 tie in Mexico City.
- Significant Departure: The FA may decide to move between venues for the later rounds if England progress, a significant departure from its usual protocol of having a fixed tournament base.
- FIFA Encouragement: FIFA is believed to be recommending such a itinerant approach for the expansive 2026 tournament.
Once the training base is confirmed, the FA will turn its attention to arranging two pre-tournament matches in Florida at the start of June.
