The Kansas City region successfully secured all three of its Team Base Camp (TBC) sites for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, while adding a fourth TBC site, to meet demand and interest from international soccer federations. The teams — Algeria, Argentina, England and the Netherlands — will utilize facilities across the two-state region. Kansas City becomes one of only two FIFA World Cup 2026™ Host Cities with four base camps, and the only city hosting more than one FIFA Pot 1 team (three), cementing its status as a destination for elite-level soccer.
TBCs are a “home away from home” for participating FIFA World Cup 2026™ teams, with a dedicated training facility and hotel. The Kansas City region’s TBC pairings are:
- Algeria | The University of Kansas, Rock Chalk Park, Lawrence, Kansas
- Argentina | Sporting KC Training Centre, Kansas City, Kansas
- England | Swope Soccer Village, Kansas City, Missouri
- Netherlands | KC Current Training Facility, Riverside, Missouri
By hosting these TBCs, the region will have additional opportunities for fan engagement, economic investment, community activation and significant added media exposure.
“Missouri and Kansas will each host two team base camps — an outcome that reflects both the strength of our regional collaboration and the caliber of what this community offers the world,” said Pam Kramer, CEO of KC2026. “Teams don’t choose base camps lightly. When they come to Kansas City, they’re choosing world-class training environments and a region with deep soccer roots and an authentic, knowledgeable culture of hospitality. Hosting four national teams isn’t symbolic — it’s confirmation that our region stands among the best in the world to prepare for, support and inspire elite competition.”
Securing four TBCs is an achievement that reflects decades of intentional investment in soccer infrastructure, led by founding MLS team Sporting Kansas City and reinforced by clubs, universities, and public partners across the region. Kansas City offers a uniquely centralized, world-class base camp environment that allows top teams to train, recover and compete at the highest level. TBCs are separate from Venue-Specific Training Sites, where teams playing in Kansas City can train leading up to matches at Kansas City Stadium. Kansas City’s Venue-Specific Training Sites are the Sporting Kansas City and KC Current stadiums.
National federations had more than 50 official Team Base Camp options in the FIFA brochure and indicated their final selections to FIFA in January. Tours of Kansas City’s TBC sites increased in frequency following the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Final Draw™ — held in December — with more than 10 teams visiting in the past month. By selecting Kansas City regional TBCs, Argentina, England and the Netherlands, all Pot 1 teams, are making an investment, committing to stay in the area following the Round of 32 instead of hopping to each match city.
What Others Are Saying
Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe:
"From elite facilities to unmatched hospitality, the Show-Me State is proud to play a leading role in bringing the FIFA World Cup experience to America’s heartland. Missouri is the premier destination for world-class events, and we are ready to provide a true home away from home for these teams and their incredible fans.”
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly:
“Kansas is proud to host two Team Base Camps as part of the historic FIFA World Cup 2026, including in Lawrence and Kansas City, Kansas, that bring this once-in-a-generation opportunity closer to even more Kansans. The FIFA World Cup is a true game changer for our state and the entire Kansas City region — driving economic impact, welcoming global visitors, and showcasing Kansas on an international stage. Teams are choosing to base here because of our central location and top-tier facilities, and that reflects the strength of our regional partnerships and our long-term investment in this moment.”
Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas:
“There is no place like Kansas City for global soccer talent in 2026, as our region hosts an historic four base camps during this year's FIFA World Cup. Many of the world’s best players and best fans will call Kansas City home during the tournament, bringing thousands of international visitors, millions in investment, and cultural engagement from around the world. The Soccer Capital of America is now the Base Camp Capital of the World. Kansas City cannot wait to host teams, visitors, and our residents for an unforgettable summer and a Cup that will benefit our community, our brand, and our children for generations to come.”
Sporting Kansas City President and CEO Jake Reid:
“Over the past 15 years this region has invested more than $650 million in soccer infrastructure, and that level of commitment is exactly why Kansas City has earned its reputation as the Soccer Capital of America. Having FIFA World Cup champions in Argentina and England choose Sporting Kansas City training facilities as their base camp for FIFA World Cup 2026 is a tremendous honor that reinforces that Kansas City is not only at the heart of the game in this country but also a premier destination for elite international soccer.”
Kansas City Current Co-Owners Angie and Chris Long:
“The Kansas City Current is honored to play a part in the Dutch National Team's journey throughout the FIFA World Cup, and it is a tremendous privilege to welcome one of the world’s most storied footballing nations to our world-class facilities this summer. This opportunity is a massive testament to the infrastructure and support the Current has in place to provide a top-notch experience for the world’s best players. We are incredibly excited for this partnership with the Netherlands and aim to provide one of the best base camp experiences in the world.”
University of Kansas Chancellor Douglas A. Girod:
"We are thrilled to have this generational opportunity to host Algeria in Lawrence for the FIFA World Cup. Their presence, along with Argentina, England and the Netherlands in the Kansas City area, will bring unprecedented excitement and attention to our region. We have long known that Lawrence is a gem, and we couldn't be more excited for people from across the world to come see it for themselves. We don't take lightly the responsibility of hosting a team, and we're confident Algeria will have a first-class experience at Rock Chalk Park."
About KC2026
A nonprofit organization overseeing strategy and delivering Host City duties for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, KC2026 will plan, construct and implement all aspects of Kansas City’s largest sports and fan engagement event in the region’s history.
KC2026 planning efforts are supported by its Official Kansas City World Cup 2026 Host City Supporters: Black & Veatch, JE Dunn Construction, Purina PetCare, Populous and The University of Kansas Health System. These global and regional companies are leaders in their respective industries and represent key sectors of KC’s economy. Host City Supporters are civic and brand partners who are helping bring the FIFA World Cup 2026™ to life in Kansas City. Learn more at KansasCityFWC26.com.
About Greater Kansas City
Home to 2.5 million people, Kansas City is a vibrant metro in the heart of the U.S., known as the “KC Heartland.” An all-new single terminal at Kansas City International Airport welcomes guests by air, while 85% of the U.S. is less than a two-day drive away. The region’s red-hot sports culture is embraced every season, headlined by the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals, Major League Soccer’s Sporting Kansas City, and the National Women’s Soccer League’s Kansas City Current.
About FIFA World Cup 2026™
FIFA World Cup 2026™ will be the biggest sporting event ever, with three Host Countries, 16 Host Cities, 48 teams and 104 matches uniting an entire continent to showcase a momentous new tournament format. With more countries, cities, teams, and games, FIFA World Cup 2026™ will be the most inclusive tournament ever, engaging millions of fans across 16 unique stadiums and billions worldwide. The tournament will take place from June 11 through July 19, 2026. For the latest FIFA World Cup 2026™ information, please visit the FIFA World Cup 2026™ website. For media representatives wishing to stay up to date on all things 2026, please register via the FIFA Media Hub.
