England is heading to Florida for its final tune-up before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with a two-match warm-up camp that starts in Tampa and finishes under the lights in downtown Orlando.
Thomas Tuchel's squad will open its U.S. preparations against New Zealand at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa on Saturday, June 6, then meet Costa Rica at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando on Wednesday, June 10. The Florida stopover is designed to help the players acclimatize and fine-tune before the World Cup kicks off, after which the team will shift to its tournament base in Kansas City.
Venues and kickoff times
The Football Association confirmed on April 9 that England will face New Zealand in Tampa on June 6 and Costa Rica in Orlando on June 10, with both matches set for 4 p.m. local time, which is 9 p.m. BST, according to England Football. The FA described the fixtures as part of a South Florida preparation camp before the squad moves to Swope Soccer Village in Kansas City for the main event.
Orlando lands a marquee friendly
Orlando has snagged one of England's two U.S. warm-up games, with the June 10 showdown promising a global spotlight on Inter&Co Stadium and the surrounding downtown neighborhoods. The local business press highlighted that the match adds another major date to Orlando's already busy summer calendar and noted that the Inter&Co bowl was previously lit up with fireworks for the Orlando Pride's 2025 home opener, a marker of the venue's growing visibility, as reported by the Orlando Business Journal.
Why Florida?
Tuchel has focused on arranging friendlies close to England's south-Florida base so the squad can adjust to the heat and travel rhythm that will define the World Cup schedule. The Guardian reported that he wanted the team in the United States quickly after the club season ends in order to start that acclimatization early, ahead of England's World Cup opener on June 17.
Tickets and travel
Ticketing specifics, including allocations, are still to come from organizers. Fans can already register interest for early access, and members of the England Supporters Travel Club will have priority when sales open, according to England Football. Venue operators and city officials are gearing up for bigger crowds and increased pressure on local transport around both fixtures.
Local businesses and hospitality operators are eyeing a potential economic boost from traveling supporters and extra media attention, although the final impact will depend on how ticket sales and travel plans shake out, the Orlando Business Journal reported. More nuts-and-bolts information, from parking to fan zones, is expected as promoters and the FA roll out full matchday plans.
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