Defending champion Argentina has named Kansas City as its base camp for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The team will play its opening match against Algeria at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on June 16. Local officials welcomed the announcement with enthusiasm.
On February 4, 2026, officials from Argentina's men's national team announced that Kansas City, Missouri, would serve as the squad's base camp during the upcoming FIFA World Cup. After scouting several locations, the team selected the Compass Minerals National Performance Center in Kansas City, Kansas, for training and preparations.
The decision positions Kansas City as a key hub for international teams, with the area potentially hosting up to four countries' base camps. Argentina's first match of the tournament is scheduled for June 16 against Algeria at Kansas City Stadium, also known as GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. This game marks the start of Group J play.
Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas expressed delight on social media, stating, "¡Vamos, vamos, Argentina! Kansas City is thrilled to welcome reigning World Cup Champion Argentina to Kansas City for the 2026 World Cup." He highlighted the base camp, opening match, and potential quarterfinal as reasons for close following of La Albiceleste throughout the tournament. Lucas shared a photo from a meeting with Argentine Consul General Lucas Gioja at City Hall on the same day.
Pam Kramer, CEO of KC2026—the organization overseeing Kansas City's World Cup hosting—called it "a true honor." She noted, "Argentina is one of the most iconic teams in the world of football, representing excellence, passion, and a deep connection between the team and supporters. In Kansas City, we understand what it means to rise to that level, and we're excited to welcome the team and be part of their World Cup journey."
To support the influx of visitors, Argentinian airline Aerolíneas Argentinas announced four nonstop flights between Kansas City and Buenos Aires during the tournament period. Other potential base camp sites in the area include the Kansas City Current's training campus in Riverside, Missouri; Rock Chalk Park in Lawrence; and Swope Soccer Village in Kansas City, Missouri. Recent reports indicated that England has chosen Swope Soccer Village for its training camp, with accommodations at the Inn at Meadowbrook in Prairie Village.
The FIFA World Cup 2026, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, runs from June 11 to July 19 across multiple cities.
