England v Costa Rica Warm-up Delayed by Severe Weather |

The kick-off for the England vs Costa Rica friendly has been delayed due to severe weather conditions, with preparations for the World Cup 2026 being affected.

England v Costa Rica Warm-up Delayed by Severe Weather

According to Sports.

Background

This match marks an important moment for England as they finalize their squad and strategies for the World Cup 2026. With players like Harry Kane, who is expected to lead the attack, and Jude Bellingham, who has been pivotal in midfield, the performance against Costa Rica will be closely analyzed. Additionally, the presence of MLS club Orlando City SC's stadium as the venue highlights the growing connection between international football and MLS football.

Why this matters

The delay of the England vs. Costa Rica friendly is significant as it impacts the final preparations for both teams ahead of the World Cup 2026. With the tournament starting soon, every moment on the pitch is crucial for England, who are among the favorites to win. The match serves as a vital opportunity for players to build chemistry and finalize tactics, especially for key figures like Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham.

Key Takeaways

England v Costa Rica Warm-up Delayed by Severe Weather.
The kick-off for the England vs Costa Rica friendly has been delayed due to severe weather conditions, with preparations for the World Cup 2026 being affected.
Harry Kane remains central to England's plans.

England's final warm-up match before the FIFA World Cup 2026 faced an unexpected delay due to severe weather conditions in Orlando. Originally scheduled for a 4 pm local time start (9 pm BST), the friendly encounter against Costa Rica was pushed back by an hour to 5 pm local time (10 pm BST) due to lightning and heavy rain. This match was crucial for both teams to finalize their preparations before the tournament kicks off in just 24 hours. The game was set to take place at the Inter&Co Stadium, home to MLS side Orlando City SC. England's squad, under the management of Thomas Tuchel, arrived at the venue at 3:30 pm local time (8:30 pm BST). However, the weather conditions threatened to postpone the friendly, as large pools of rainwater accumulated on the pitch. The Inter&Co Stadium ground staff responded swiftly to clear the water, ensuring that the match could proceed as planned, provided there were no further lightning strikes. ![Image](https://s.yimg.com/os/en/the_independent_us_sports_articles_270/7219f3d39ab4254966b9f6f26b842aec) This match was essential for England as they gear up for their World Cup opener against Croatia in Dallas. With the Three Lions being one of the tournament's favorites, every moment of preparation counts. England's starting line-up featured Harry Kane, flanked by Noni Madueke and Anthony Gordon. Reece James, Nico O'Reilly, Ezri Konsa, and John Stones formed the defensive line, while Jude Bellingham operated ahead of Declan Rice and Elliott Anderson in midfield. Bukayo Saka, who has been recovering from an injury, was on the bench. Tuchel expressed caution regarding Saka's fitness, acknowledging the need to manage his playing time carefully. The delay and the conditions added an unexpected twist to the final preparations. Fans, who had already started entering the stadium, witnessed a quick recovery operation by the stadium staff using dryers to ensure the pitch was playable. As the rain subsided, anticipation for the match built up once again, with the fans eager to see their team perform ahead of the World Cup. This encounter not only tested the resilience of the team against unforeseen challenges but also served as a crucial test of their readiness before facing Croatia. England's performance in this friendly would be closely watched, setting the tone for their World Cup campaign. ![Image](https://albumimageall.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/world-cup-qualification-concacaf/guatemala/group/match-images/2026-07-11/6.jpg)

What happens next

Assuming the weather permits, the match is now set to kick off at 5 pm local time, allowing England to complete their final warm-up before heading to their training base in Kansas City. Following this friendly, the focus will shift entirely to their opening match against Croatia, where the Three Lions will aim to make a strong start in Group L. The outcome of this match could also influence the team's confidence and momentum as they head into the tournament.