KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Defending FIFA World Cup champion Argentina announced it has selected Kansas City as its base camp for the 2026 World Cup.
The Argentinian squad is set to play their first match of the 2026 World Cup at Kansas City Stadium (GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium) against Algeria on June 16.
PREVIEW | FIFA World Cup 26 Kansas City-bound breakdown: Group J — Argentina vs. Algeria
Argentina Men’s National Team officials said Wednesday they scouted several locations for their base camp before deciding that Kansas City was right for them.
Kansas City, Missouri, Mayor Quinton Lucas took to social media Wednesday following the announcement.
¡Viva Argentina! pic.twitter.com/gQDwXNOCDc
— Mayor Q (@QuintonLucasKC) February 4, 2026
"¡Vamos, vamos, Argentina! Kansas City is thrilled to welcome reigning World Cup Champion Argentina to Kansas City for the 2026 World Cup," Lucas said in a statement Wednesday. "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."
LINK | More FIFA 2026 World Cup coverage
As part of Lucas' statement, he released a photo of him meeting with Argentine Consul General Lucas Gioja on Feb. 4, 2026, at KCMO City Hall.
Last month, Argentinian airline Aerolíneas announced four nonstop flights between Kansas City and Buenos Aires during the World Cup.
Fox Sports reports the team has selected Compass Minerals National Performance Center in Kansas City, Kansas, for their base camp.
The Kansas City area could be the base camp home to as many as four countries. In addition to the Compass Minerals National Performance Center, countries have also reviewed base camp options at the Kansas City Current's training campus in Riverside, Missouri, Rock Chalk Park in Lawrence and Swope Soccer Village in Kansas City, Missouri.
Earlier this week, reporting from England indicated the English Men's National Team had selected Swope Soccer Village in Kansas City, Missouri, for its training camp, with the team hotel at the Inn at Meadowbrook in Prairie Village.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
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