Argentina, the reigning FIFA World Cup champions, officially confirmed Kansas City as their base camp for the 2026 World Cup, selecting Sporting Kansas City's Compass Minerals National Performance Center as their training facility. [1] The team will stay at the Origin Hotel along the Kansas City riverfront.

The announcement, made February 4, cemented Kansas City's status as the tournament's premier base camp destination. England and the Netherlands also selected Kansas City facilities, making the city home to three of the tournament's most high-profile teams. A fourth national team has also chosen Kansas City, according to the local World Cup organizing committee.

Lionel Messi, who plays for Inter Miami, will spend most of what is widely expected to be his final World Cup based in the Midwest rather than Florida -- a surprise that defied conventional wisdom. The Athletic reported that "the pervasive rumor for Argentina was that they were going to be base-camping in Miami."

Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas called the selection "big news," noting it would draw fans from around the world to a city that has invested heavily in its soccer infrastructure. Argentina's opening match will be played at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.

KCUR reported that Kansas City's central geographic location -- allowing teams to travel easily to match venues across the country -- was the key factor in attracting multiple teams. The city's existing soccer culture, anchored by Sporting KC and the NWSL's Kansas City Current, also played a role.

The World Cup begins June 11 and runs through July 19 across 16 venues in the US, Canada, and Mexico.

-- AMARA OKONKWO, Kansas City