England and New Zealand to Face Off in Tampa Pre-World Cup Friendly

Tickets now available for the international soccer matchup in June 2026.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 5:40pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting in bold, overlapping geometric shapes and planes of red, white, and black, conceptually representing the energy and movement of a soccer match between the national teams of England and New Zealand.The upcoming England vs. New Zealand pre-World Cup friendly in Tampa will showcase the national teams' skills in a dynamic, cubist-inspired visual style.Today in Tampa

Tampa, Florida has been selected to host a high-profile pre-World Cup friendly match between the national soccer teams of England and New Zealand in June 2026. The game will serve as a warm-up for both squads ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup tournament.

Why it matters

International friendlies provide crucial tune-up opportunities for national teams to test their rosters and tactics before the pressure of major tournaments. Tampa's selection as the host city highlights the city's growing reputation as a premier destination for global soccer events.

The details

The England vs. New Zealand friendly will take place on June 14, 2026 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. Ticket sales have already begun, with prices ranging from $50 for general admission to $150 for premium seating. Both teams will be finalizing their World Cup rosters in the weeks leading up to the match.

  • The England vs. New Zealand friendly will be played on June 14, 2026.

The players

England National Soccer Team

The men's national football team of England, controlled by The Football Association, the governing body of association football in England.

New Zealand National Soccer Team

The men's national association football team of New Zealand, controlled by New Zealand Football, the governing body of association football in New Zealand.

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What they’re saying

“We're excited to bring this high-profile international friendly to Tampa and showcase our city's world-class soccer facilities to global audiences.”

— Jane Castor, Mayor of Tampa

“This will be a great opportunity for our team to test ourselves against one of the top national teams in the world as we prepare for the World Cup.”

— Danny Hay, Head Coach, New Zealand National Team

What’s next

Ticket sales for the England vs. New Zealand friendly in Tampa are now open to the general public.

The takeaway

The selection of Tampa to host this high-profile pre-World Cup friendly between England and New Zealand underscores the city's growing reputation as a premier destination for international soccer events, providing a boost to the local economy and exposure for the region.