In a major coup for Kansas City's burgeoning sports scene, the Netherlands national soccer team has selected the Kansas City Current's state-of-the-art training facilities as their official base camp for the 2026 FIFA World Cup™. This announcement not only highlights the city's growing reputation as a premier destination for international sporting events, but also underscores the impressive capabilities of the Current's world-class training complex.
A Stamp of Approval for KC's Soccer Infrastructure
The decision by the Dutch squad, currently ranked 7th in the FIFA world rankings, to choose the KC Current's facilities is a testament to the quality of Kansas City's soccer infrastructure. As ESPN reports, the team was impressed by the Current's recently expanded 17,000-square-foot performance center, which boasts elite training areas, state-of-the-art equipment, and professional-grade playing fields.
"The Netherlands knows talent when they see it, and their choice of Kansas City as their World Cup base camp is a huge vote of confidence in our city's soccer capabilities," said Caitlin Carducci, General Manager of the KC Current. "We're honored to host a team of this caliber and can't wait to roll out the red carpet for them in 2026."
More Than Just a Training Ground
What this really means is that the Netherlands squad will have the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the vibrant soccer culture of Kansas City during their World Cup preparations. As this report notes, the team plans to add personal touches to their base camp at the Current's facilities, creating a home-away-from-home atmosphere that could give them a crucial psychological edge during the tournament.
"Having a dedicated base camp where we can settle in and really make our mark is huge," said Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk. "The facilities at the KC Current are world-class, but it's the warm welcome and vibrant soccer community in Kansas City that sealed the deal for us."
The bigger picture here is that Kansas City's selection as a Netherlands World Cup base camp further cements its status as a rising power in global soccer. With the Current's new riverside stadium also in the works, the city is positioning itself as a must-visit destination for international football fans in 2026 and beyond.
A Boost for Women's Soccer, Too
Interestingly, the Netherlands' decision to train at the KC Current's facilities also shines a spotlight on the rapid growth of women's soccer in the region. As The Kansas City Star reported, the Current are building a second stadium near the river to accommodate their expanding fanbase and further elevate the profile of the women's game.
"Having the Netherlands men's national team choose our facilities as their World Cup base is a huge honor, but it also speaks volumes about the quality of our women's program and the world-class training environment we've created," Carducci added. "This is a win-win for soccer in Kansas City."