Argentina's Lionel Messi-led squad to train in Kansas City for 2026 World Cup
Get an inside look at the Argentine National Team's decision to establish their base in Kansas City for the upcoming 2026 World Cup. With Lionel Messi at the helm, the Albiceleste are gearing up for their first match against Algeria on June 16, marking Messi's last appearance in the tournament.
Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Argentine National Team, led by Lionel Scaloni, will be based in Kansas City for much of the competition. They will play their first match of the tournament against Algeria on June 16th in the city. Although their other two matches will be in Dallas, the Albiceleste chose Kansas City for its convenient location and climate.Argentina have decided where to set up their training camp to defend their 2022 World Cup title: Kansas City, Mo. They will debut there on June 16 against Algeria at Arrowhead Stadium. The reigning World Cup champions are already beginning to prepare for the 2026 World Cup, which will be Lionel Messi's last appearance in the tournament.The AFA announced that after several inspection trips led by the Physical Trainer, Luis Martín; the Alternate Physical Trainer, Juan Tamone; and the administrators Daniel Cabrera and Alberto Pernas, and after an exhaustive final report, it was concluded that Kansas City would be the ideal place to face the competition due to the distance between cities and amenities for the delegation.Lionel Scaloni's team will train at the Compass Minerals National Performance Center, the same training center as the local MLS side, Sporting Kansas City.Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
Argentina's strategic choice
In a strategic move aimed at optimizing their training and preparation ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Argentine National Team, under the guidance of coach Lionel Scaloni, has designated Kansas City as their base camp. With the first match against Algeria scheduled in the city on June 16, the team is focusing on fine-tuning their strategies for a successful title defense.
AFA's meticulous selection process
Following meticulous inspection trips led by key personnel such as Physical Trainer Luis Martín and Alternate Physical Trainer Juan Tamone, the Argentina Football Association (AFA) finalized Kansas City as the ideal location for their World Cup campaign. The decision was reinforced by the city's proximity to match venues and the tailored amenities available for the team's delegation.
State-of-the-art training facilities
The Argentine squad will benefit from top-notch training facilities at the Compass Minerals National Performance Center, a shared training ground with local MLS team Sporting Kansas City. This strategic partnership not only provides access to elite training resources but also fosters collaboration and synergy between professional teams aimed at enhancing performance on the global stage.
