England’s national football team has established its World Cup headquarters at the Inn at Meadowbrook in Prairie Village, just outside Kansas City, as the tournament gets underway across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The 26-man squad led by head coach Thomas Tuchel will use the 54-room hotel and its surrounding parkland as their base throughout the competition.

The Football Association has secured the entire property, a £260-per-night facility, and implemented a stringent security plan to ensure the team’s safety amid heightened concerns over recent gun violence in Kansas and potential terrorist threats. A no-fly zone has been enacted around the hotel to prevent drone incursions, with armed police, private security personnel, and the Prairie Village Police Department maintaining a visible and layered presence. Delivery traffic continues to operate, and the local community has prepared to welcome the squad with a mix of excitement and caution.

Protocols include police escorts for the team’s movements, notably between the hotel and their nearby training ground at Swope Soccer Village. According to a letter sent to approximately 500 residents of Meadowbrook Estate, security efforts involve coordination between FIFA, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and local law enforcement. The Department of Homeland Security has allocated £85 million to host cities across the U.S. to enhance counter-drone technology and related security measures during the event.

Local residents have expressed enthusiasm for hosting England’s squad. Judi and Elvin Knight, longtime Prairie Village community members, displayed Union flags and prepared to attend a cocktail reception for the team. Judi noted the village’s close-knit nature and welcomed the team’s selection of their community as a base, highlighting soccer’s growing popularity in the United States.

Across Kansas City, England supporters have gathered amid the preparations. Stephen and Zena Willis, Newcastle United fans from Northumberland, attended local events in support of both their club and the national side. England’s training facility, named Victory Field, sits near the hotel and offers a symbolic home base for the team ahead of their opening match.

England faced Costa Rica in a warm-up fixture that was delayed by a severe storm. They are scheduled to play their first World Cup game against Croatia on Tuesday.

Security measures prohibit photography of the training complex, as FIFA and local authorities maintain strict controls to counter espionage and preserve player safety. Teams and officials are expected to remain vigilant throughout the tournament, with similar security steps in place at other World Cup host cities across North America.