Argentina’s World Cup 2026 plan: Kansas City base and final friendlies | OneFootball

The Technical Staff of the Argentine National Team is working together with the AFA to define the logistics for the imminent 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, with one city emerging as the main candidate to be the national team’s base, while awaiting confirmation of their last two friendlies.

After the draw on December 5th, where it was revealed that La Albiceleste will be part of Group J, the intention is for Lionel Scaloni’s team to set up base in Kansas City (in the state of Missouri, on the border with Kansas), the city where they will debut on June 16th against Algeria and which is only two hours away from Dallas, where the rest of the group matches against Austria and Jordan will be played.

The plan would be to maintain their training camp in Missouri for as long as Argentina remains in the tournament, knowing that they could play again in that city in the quarterfinals if they advance as group leaders.

The first option is to use the Sporting Kansas City complex, the MLS franchise, and as a second option, the facilities of the Kansas City Current, the women’s soccer team that plays in the National Women’s Soccer League, the top division in the US. The preference for Missouri over Dallas is due to it being less populated, having fewer traffic complications, and being less hot—a crucial factor considering the tournament will be held in the middle of summer.

Initially, the idea would be to set up base in one of these facilities starting June 1st, with the 26-man World Cup roster already confirmed and ready to play the last two friendlies before the tournament debut.

According to TyC Sports, as of now, there is a possibility of playing friendly matches against Mexico and Honduras, in Las Vegas and Miami, respectively, between June 1st and 10th. The opponents and venues have not yet been confirmed, but an official announcement is expected soon.

Since the idea is to arrive at these friendlies with the roster already confirmed, Scaloni’s last chance to test alternatives will be during the March FIFA double date, where on 3/27 they will face Spain in the Finalissima at Lusail Stadium and will close on 3/31 against Qatar, who will also be participating in the World Cup.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.