By Jim Carchidi
April 9, 2026
Inter&Co Stadium has been awarded an international friendly match in preparation for FIFA World Cup 2026. The England men’s national team will square off against Costa Rica on Wednesday, June 10, at 4 p.m.
Three Lions in the U.S.
TEG Sports and The Football Association made the announcement with Orlando City SC on the morning of April 9. Fans will have the chance to see a rare U.S. match featuring England’s Three Lions, and it will be the team's first appearance at Inter&Co Stadium.
The June 10 game will be one of two pre-World Cup matches England will play in Florida.
"We are thrilled to bring the England men's national team to Orlando as part of their World Cup preparations,” said Jarrod Dillon, President of Business Operations for Orlando City SC, Orlando Pride and Inter&Co Stadium. "(Inter&Co Stadium) reflects Orlando's role as a destination for global football and we're excited to provide our community with a rare opportunity to see England compete live."
Team history
The June 10 meeting will only be the third time England and Costa Rica have faced each other in their history. England scored a 2-0 victory in a friendly match on June 7, 2028. Their World Cup match on June 24, 2024, ended in a 0-0 draw.
The Inter&Co match will also be among Three Lions' first competitions on U.S. soil in more than 30 years. Orlando is hosting one of two pre-World Cup friendlies in Florida. The first will be against New Zealand in Tampa on June 6. According to an ESPN report, Miami was also in the running for hosting duties.
FIFA World Cup 2026 will be co-hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico. England will face Croatia, Ghana and Panama during the group stage of the tournament.
Another win
The announcement is another example of Orlando's rising status as a host for the global sports and entertainment industry. The recent confirmation of the Jacksonville Jaguars residency at Camping World Stadium is expected to make a huge economic impact, and a bid was recently made to host the 2030 NBA All-Star Game.
What's next
Ticket pre sales begin Tuesday, April 14. A priority list for exclusive access is available here. Additional match day details, including broadcast information, will be announced in the coming weeks.
Sponsor: The Orlando Real is sponsored by the Pozek Group — the #1 real estate team in Orlando and the Official Real Estate Team of the Orlando Magic.
About the Author
Jim Carchidi is an Orlando journalist and photographer with previous work at the Orlando Sentinel and Orlando Business Journal. He covers development, arts, culture, and local stories for The Orlando Real.
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