The Football Association has selected Kansas City as England's base camp for the 2026 World Cup, despite the team not playing any group matches at the city's Arrowhead Stadium. The decision was driven by the city's central location, which ensures no flight longer than three-and-a-half hours for any match, and the desire to provide a stable home environment throughout the tournament.
Unlike other nations that may move between bases in the knockout stages, England will return to Kansas City after each game, allowing staff to avoid the logistical burden of transporting equipment every few days. The team's group matches are scheduled for mid-to-late afternoon US time, enabling reasonable return times.
The squad has taken over the entire 54-room Inn at Meadowbrook, a four-star hotel with extensive outdoor space, including a basketball hoop installed by the FA. Communal areas feature screens for watching matches and other sports, and there is a recovery zone with a sauna.
Personal touches greeted players upon arrival. Goalkeeper James Trafford found an iPad with a slideshow of photos, including one with his partner, and a box of items to open at different stages of the tournament, such as face masks and a Lego tractor. 'I'm a farmer, aren't I?' said Trafford, who hails from Cumbria. Jordan Pickford, the first-choice goalkeeper, received a family box from his wife containing Haribos, photos and cards.
Pickford, at his fifth major tournament, praised the FA's efforts: 'They make it feel like home. It’s not smooth sailing – there will be down days – but this camp with this manager keeps pushing the brotherhood.'
