The Three Lions Search for FIFA 2026 Training Facilities Amid Fears of Losing Preferred Location to the Dutch.

The Football Association has dispatched officials to the United States this week to evaluate potential bases for the forthcoming tournament, amidst growing apprehensions that their preferred location could be allocated by the Holland.

Draw Complications Change Preparations

Head coach Thomas Tuchel had previously cleared an FA strategy for England to set up camp in Kansas following a warm-up training camp in Fort Lauderdale. But, following the recent tournament draw, there are now concerns that the Netherlands, who play their group stage matches in Kansas, will be awarded first refusal on the desired facility at Sporting Kansas City—a state-of-the-art centre used by US Soccer.

FIFA assigns training bases according to geography and world rankings if there is a dispute, with the draw possibly placing the FA against the Netherlands and Argentina for bases in the tournament's south-central region.

Considering Alternative Options

Given England's group fixtures scheduled to take place in Dallas, Boston, and New Jersey, the FA is now understood to be exploring other options on the east coast. The association started its scouting process for training bases at the beginning of the year, with Tuchel and director of football John McDermott visiting possible sites during the Club World Cup last summer.

In spite of this advanced planning, there was always an understanding that the final tournament draw could drastically change their logistical arrangements.

Knockout Stage Logistics Plans

The Three Lions have the eighth most arduous group stage draw in terms of travel. Topping Group L would set England on track for a last-32 game in Atlanta, then a potential round of 16 tie in Mexico City.

• Major Change: The FA may opt to choose to travel from match to match for the knockout stages if England progress, a major shift from its standard practice of having a fixed tournament base.
• Tournament Organizers Recommendation: FIFA is believed to be actively encouraging such a flexible approach for the vast 2026 tournament.

After the base camp is finalized, the FA will turn its attention to arranging two friendly matches in Florida at the beginning of June.