England have moved a step closer to finalising their plans for the 2026 World Cup, with Kansas City emerging as their preferred base as preparations intensify ahead of the tournament in North America.
With qualification already secured, the Football Association has requested to use the Swope Soccer Village in Missouri as the Three Lions’ training headquarters, a state of the art facility that reportedly cost around £15 million to develop.
England will enter the tournament in Group L, where they face Ghana, Panama, and familiar rivals Croatia. The opening fixture against Croatia immediately stands out, rekindling memories of the painful semi final defeat at the 2018 World Cup, while Ghana and Panama present very different but no less demanding challenges.
The draw has been viewed internally as a demanding one despite England’s smooth route through qualification. Croatia arrive as the highest ranked side from Pot 2, Ghana bring pace and technical quality, and Panama are expected to embrace the underdog role with little pressure and plenty of ambition.
The group also represents a significant moment for Thomas Tuchel, who will be experiencing his first World Cup as a head coach. While the German has managed at the highest level with Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint Germain, and Chelsea, tournament football on this scale presents a new dynamic.
Tuchel has repeatedly stressed the importance of the group stage, viewing it as the foundation of any serious World Cup run. England will begin their campaign later than some rivals, a factor that offers additional preparation time but also leads to a tighter schedule as the competition progresses.
Kansas City’s Swope Soccer Village has been selected due to its facilities and logistical suitability, with England expected to return there between group matches. Their three fixtures are scheduled to take place in Arlington, Foxborough, and East Rutherford, meaning extensive travel before regrouping at their proposed base.
FIFA is not expected to officially confirm national team base camps until February, and it remains unclear whether England would retain the Kansas City site if they advance into the knockout rounds.
Before attention fully shifts to the World Cup, England have immediate business to attend to. Friendly matches against Uruguay and Japan at Wembley in March will offer Tuchel further opportunities to refine his squad and test tactical ideas.
The result is clear direction rather than distraction. England are laying the groundwork early, with the hope that careful planning off the pitch can support a serious challenge for football’s biggest prize once the tournament begins.
