England will complete their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with warm-up matches against New Zealand and Costa Rica in Florida, before basing themselves in Kansas City for the duration of the tournament.
Thomas Tuchel’s side will fly to the United States on 1 June and begin a pre-tournament training camp in south Florida. The Three Lions face New Zealand on 6 June and Costa Rica four days later, with venues still to be confirmed. Miami is understood to be the preferred location, although Orlando is also under consideration.
The fixtures are designed to fine-tune England’s preparations ahead of a FIFA World Cup that kicks off on 11 June across the United States, Canada and Mexico. England open their Group L campaign on 17 June against Croatia in Arlington, Texas, before taking on Ghana in Foxborough, near Boston, on 23 June and Panama in New Jersey on 27 June.
Kansas City Base Confirmed
After the Florida camp, the squad will relocate to Kansas City, Missouri, where they will be based at Swope Soccer Village- one of Sporting Kansas City’s training facilities- for the duration of the tournament. The Football Association identified the city as its preferred location in January 2025 following an extensive review process.
England will travel to each group fixture and return to Kansas City after every match, ensuring consistency in their training environment.
Swope Soccer Village, situated within the city’s historic Swope Park, opened in 2007 and has hosted numerous club and international sides. Its modern infrastructure and privacy were key factors in the FA’s decision.
Renewing Acquaintances
The Florida friendlies also carry historical resonance.
England have not faced New Zealand since 1991, when the sides met twice in Auckland and Wellington. The All Whites, who have qualified for the 2026 finals, provide a competitive test just days before the tournament begins.
Costa Rica, meanwhile, are more familiar opposition. The teams drew 0-0 in the group stage of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil- a tournament that ended in disappointment for England- before the Three Lions secured a 2-0 victory in a pre-2018 FIFA World Cup friendly at Elland Road.
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Although Costa Rica did not qualify for 2026, they offer experienced, technically disciplined opposition suited to sharpening England’s match readiness.
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Momentum and Focus
England arrive in the United States in strong form, having completed FIFA World Cup qualifying with eight wins from eight matches without conceding a goal. Before crossing the Atlantic, Tuchel’s squad will host Uruguay (27 March) and Japan (31 March) at Wembley in their final home fixtures.
Tuchel’s contract runs until the end of the World Cup, and the German coach has made clear his immediate focus is on preparation rather than speculation about his future. The objective is simple: arrive in mid-June fully acclimatised, tactically sharp and physically primed.
With a settled base in Kansas City, carefully selected opposition in Florida and a flawless qualifying campaign behind them, England’s World Cup build-up has a clear structure. Now attention turns to execution- and to a tournament that offers the chance to turn promise into lasting achievement.
