Argentina to set up base camp in Kansas City for 2026 World Cup

Argentina’s national team will base themselves in Kansas City for the upcoming World Cup 2026 in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

In a statement, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) said that the three-times world champions will be based in the Midwest of the United States as they look to defend the title they won in Qatar.

“After several inspection visits … and following a thorough final report, it was concluded that Kansas City would be the ideal location to approach the competition, taking into account the distances between host cities and, above all, the facilities available for the delegation,” said AFA in a communiqué.

The statement did not provide details about where the team would stay or train. Most teams at the tournament will be based at university facilities or dedicated sports complexes.

Kansas City, located on the border between the states of Kansas and Missouri, will host two of Argentina’s three group-stage matches: their Group J opener against Algeria on 16 June, and their third match against Jordan on 27 June.

However, the second fixture for Lionel Scaloni’s side is set for June 22 against Austria in Dallas, Texas, some 800 kilometres away.

According to local media outlets, Kansas City’s location in the US Midwest, close to the country’s geographical centre, was considered a strategic advantage for the three-time world champions.

Given the World Cup will see some teams travelling huge distances for matches, reducing the amount of time spent on planes, trains and coaches could prove decisive.

The tournament kicks off on June 11 when Mexico take on South Africa at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico. 

The final is set for July 19 at the MetLife Stadium on the outskirts of New York. 

According to reports in local media, AFA bosses are revising the national team’s schedule for the lead up to the World Cup. 

After facing Spain in the Finalissima in Doha on March 27, the Albiceleste will play against the Qatari national team four days later in the same city.

Two matches in early June, prior to the World Cup, have also been pencilled in. Initial reports suggested that Algeria would be the opponents in one of those two matches, with Mexico and Honduras also lined up as potential rivals. 

AFA has yet to finalise the schedule.

Another key date comes at the end of May, when the official squad list of 26 players who will represent Argentina in the defence of their world title is set to be announced. 

– TIMES/AFP/PERFIL