Not Miami: Argentina choose team base for World Cup

The Argentinian national team has announced that Kansas City will be the squad’s training base for this year’s World Cup as they attempt to defend their crown.

A Lionel Messi-led Argentina clinched the ultimate prize at the 2022 tournament in Qatar and will look to become the first team to retain the title since Brazil managed that feat in 1962. Argentina have another strong squad under head coach Lionel Scaloni and will be among the favorites once again.

Kansas City was announced as Argentina’s World Cup headquarters on Wednesday, with a statement from the national federation explaining the decision: “It was concluded that Kansas City would be the ideal place to face the competition according to the distances between cities and mainly to the amenities for the delegation.”

Where are Argentina playing during the World Cup?

The decision makes a lot of sense, given Argentina’s group stage agenda. Argentina will begin the tournament on June 16 against Algeria at Arrowhead Stadium, Missouri, with the following two group stage matches to be played in Arlington, Texas against Austria (June 22) and Jordan (June 27). Arrowhead Stadium is the home of NFL team the Kansas City Chiefs.

Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas celebrated the news, saying: “¡Vamos, vamos, Argentina! Kansas City is thrilled to welcome reigning World Cup Champion Argentina to Kansas City for the 2026 World Cup. With a base camp in Kansas City, an opening match at the legendary Kansas City Stadium, and a potential quarterfinal match in our hometown, Kansas City will be closely following La Albiceleste during the entire tournament.

“With flights already scheduled between Buenos Aires and Kansas City, our region is excited to host the best players and fans in the world for an incredible experience in the Heart of America,” he added.

To prepare for the summer tournament, with more than 650,000 visitors expected to flock to the city, Kansas City has sought to make things more fan-friendly. A new Missouri law will allow bars and restaurants to sell alcohol for up to 23 hours a day and new transportation plans should make things easier for travelling supporters.

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