The Football Association has officially confirmed England's pre-World Cup schedule, with the Three Lions set to play two international friendlies against New Zealand and Costa Rica in the United States this June. These matches will form a crucial part of England's final preparations before the tournament kicks off.
Florida Friendlies Scheduled for Early June
England will stage their pre-tournament training camp in South Florida, where they will face fellow World Cup qualifiers New Zealand on June 6th. This match is likely to be held in Tampa, marking the first meeting between the two nations since a double-header back in 1991. The second fixture will be against Costa Rica on June 10th, just one day before the World Cup begins, with the venue expected to be either Orlando or Miami.
Kansas City Base Confirmed for Tournament Duration
As previously reported, England will relocate to Kansas City once the World Cup action commences. The FA has now formally announced that the team will establish their training base at Swope Soccer Village, which serves as the academy home for Major League Soccer side Sporting Kansas City. This central US location offers convenient travel logistics for group stage matches.
Manager Thomas Tuchel and his squad have secured accommodation at The Inn at Meadowbrook, a charming boutique hotel situated on the grounds of a former country club in Missouri. The property, costing approximately £197 per night, will serve as the team's residence throughout their tournament stay.
High-Profile Neighbors in Kansas City
England will not be alone in Kansas City during the World Cup. Tournament favorites Argentina and the Netherlands have also selected the city as their base, primarily due to its strategic central location within the United States. World champions Argentina, having received priority selection from FIFA, will utilize the Minerals training centre—the same facility that recently housed the United States National Team and serves as Sporting Kansas City's primary training ground.
Affordable Tickets and Final Home Match
The Football Association has expressed its commitment to making tickets for the US friendlies accessible to supporters, with prices expected to be considerably lower than those for actual World Cup matches. While tickets have not yet gone on sale, officials hope to ensure broad fan attendance.
Before departing for the United States, England will play their final match on home soil against Japan at Wembley Stadium on March 31st. This follows the pattern from the 2018 World Cup cycle, when England prepared for Russia with a 2-0 victory over Costa Rica at Elland Road.
These friendlies represent England's last competitive tests before the World Cup begins, providing valuable match practice against diverse opposition while allowing the squad to acclimatize to American conditions ahead of the tournament proper.
