England manager Thomas Tuchel has selected a distinctive four-star boutique hotel on the outskirts of Kansas City as the Three Lions' base for the upcoming World Cup tournament this summer. The squad will reside at The Inn at Meadowbrook in Overland Park, Missouri, a property that markets itself as an "English cottage," offering an intimate and thoughtful setting for the duration of the competition.
Strategic Location Despite Distant Fixtures
Interestingly, England's group stage matches are scheduled in Dallas, New York, and Boston, all situated a considerable distance from the Midwest. However, the Football Association has opted for Kansas City due to its central location within the United States. This strategic decision appears designed with the knockout stages in mind, providing a logistical hub that could minimise travel disruptions as the tournament progresses.
Hotel Amenities and Accommodation
The chosen hotel, The Inn at Meadowbrook, is a 54-room establishment nestled within parklands and paved trails. It boasts a 4.9-star rating on TripAdvisor from over 400 reviews. Room rates begin at approximately £197 per night, with more deluxe options exceeding £500. Amenities include a 24-hour gym, a firepit, a restaurant, a swimming pool, and a hot tub. The hotel is set on the grounds of a former country club, offering views of lakes, though it notably lacks an on-site golf course.
This absence may disappoint several England players who are keen golfers. They will need to visit nearby courses to pursue their hobby, where they might encounter players from the Netherlands and Argentina, as both national teams are also basing themselves in Kansas City during the World Cup.
Logistical Planning and Historical Context
The 2026 World Cup, running from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, presents significant logistical challenges. England's decision to book the entire hotel for the tournament, rather than moving between locations, reflects a settled approach. The squad reportedly consulted players before finalising these arrangements, learning from past tournament experiences.
The team is keen to avoid a repeat of the 2006 World Cup in Baden-Baden, where intense paparazzi attention on players' families created distractions. Conversely, they also wish to steer clear of the excessive isolation experienced at the Repino base during the 2018 World Cup in Russia under Gareth Southgate. The Kansas City selection seems to strike a balance, offering relative seclusion and luxury, akin to the Souq Al-Wakra hotel used during the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
Training Ground Arrangements
For training, England has requested access to the Swope Soccer Village, a £15 million facility located about a 20-minute drive from the hotel. It features nine pitches and a 2,000-seater mini-stadium, having previously hosted Premier League clubs like Manchester United and Manchester City during pre-season tours. However, this arrangement awaits final approval from FIFA.
Notably, the Netherlands and Argentina, who have group stage matches in Kansas City, were granted higher priority for local facilities by FIFA. Despite this, England's comprehensive booking and central strategy underscore their meticulous preparations as they enter the tournament among the favourites.
