The Tartan Army secured its ticket to the tournament after historic performances in qualifying, including crucial goals from Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean vs Denmark. Drawn into a challenging Group C alongside Brazil, Haiti, and Morocco, Scotland will look to make a statement with a highly versatile roster.

The seven players born outside of Scotland include:

• Angus Gunn (England)
• Scott McTominay (England)
• Che Adams (England)
• George Hirst (England)
• Tyler Fletcher (England)
• Lyndon Dykes (Australia)
• Kieran Tierney (Isle of Man)

Scotland’s journey to the 2026 World Cup

While Scotland punched its ticket to the 2026 World Cup without needing the playoff route, it was far from an easy path through the UEFA qualifiers.

Situated in a tough qualifying group alongside Denmark, Greece, and Belarus, the Scottish side managed to secure 13 out of 18 possible points. Denmark provided the fiercest opposition, setting up a decisive final group match where Scotland defeated the Danes 4-2 to secure top spot and an automatic place in the World Cup.

The squad also boasts the oldest player in the entire tournament: 43-year-old goalkeeper Craig Gordon (while Mexico features the youngest in Gilberto Mora). The veteran keeper was vital in the final stretch of the qualifiers and will be pushing Angus Gunn for minutes in goal throughout the tournament.

Scotland’s match schedule in the 2026 World Cup

Scotland shares Group C with Brazil, Morocco, and Haiti in what many analysts regard as one of the most competitive groups in the tournament. The Europeans will try to advance to the knockout rounds for the first time in their history.

“Following a pitch inspection at the stadium, today’s match against Costa Rica will now kick off at 10pm (UK time) – subject to there being no further lightning strikes in the area,” England’s national team announced on social media.

The matchup between England and Costa Rica was originally scheduled for 4:00 p.m. ET (9 p.m. UK). As a result of the pouring thunderstorm that caused the delay, the start time has now been pushed back an hour. Still, it’s all subject to change as inclement weather could become present at any given moment and further complicate things.

Due to U.S. regulations and FIFA protocols, if lightning is detected within roughly 8 miles of the stadium, a mandatory shelter-in-place order is implemented. All players and fans must leave their seats and seek shelter until the danger has passed. There is a 30-minute countdown that resets whenever new lightning is detected.

Weather forecast

Considering it’s only a friendly and the 2026 World Cup is right around the corner, there was reason to believe the match could’ve been called off if the weather didn’t improve.

However, these kinds of summer storms are quite common in the Sunshine State, meaning there was a good chance the skies would clear, the pitch drained properly, and the Three Lions and Los Ticos could play their international friendly in Orlando. As it stands, that’s exactly what happened and the game is set to kickoff at 5:00 p.m. ET.

According to the U.S. National Weather Service, though, a flood warning remained in effect until roughly 4:00 p.m. ET. Thus, it was clear the match was never going to start on the original time set.

England’s last game before World Cup

Once the international friendly comes to an end, England will turn its focus entirely to the 2026 World Cup. The Three Lions will make their long-awaited debut against Croatia on June 17 at 4:00 p.m. ET in Arlington, Texas. Considering the venue has a roof, there shouldn’t be much reason for concern about a weather-related delay.

Costa Rica failed to qualify for this year’s tournament, and the fans on hand quickly saw why. Los Ticos struggled to generate any meaningful attacking threats and allowed the Three Lions to dictate the tempo entirely from the opening whistle. At this point, Costa Rica‘s focus must completely shift toward rebuilding for the 2030 World Cup qualifying cycle as they aim to return to soccer’s biggest stage.

How to watch England vs Costa Rica in the USA

Fans will have several ways to follow this highly anticipated showdown. Coverage will air live on FS2, while streaming options include Fubo, DirecTV Stream, Hulu + Live TV, and ViX.

No matter which platform they choose, viewers can watch every key sequence, game-changing swing, and thrilling conclusion unfold live from start to finish as the action plays out.

Can I watch England vs Costa Rica for free?

Fans in the United States can catch this marquee showdown live through Fubo, DirecTV Stream, and Hulu + Live TV, each providing access to the network airing the match across the country.

First-time subscribers can also stream without paying upfront by using available free trial offers, including five days from Fubo and DirecTV Stream and a three-day trial from Hulu + Live TV.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

England’s World Cup opener is just around the corner, and the Three Lions remain among the favorites to make a deep run behind a talented squad led by Harry Kane. Follow England vs Costa Rica live with us for minute-by-minute coverage and updates!

In their final tune-up, England will meet a Costa Rica side looking to move forward after missing out on World Cup qualification despite the absence of regional powers the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

For Costa Rica, this clash with one of Europe’s top sides provides a valuable opportunity to begin building toward the future as the Ticos will not play at the 2026 World Cup.

England vs Costa Rica: Predicted Lineups

England (4-2-3-1): Pickford; James, Stones, Guehi, O’Reilly; Anderson, Rice; Saka, Bellingham, Rashford; Kane.

Costa Rica (4-2-3-1): Sequeira; Quiros, Mitchell, Faerron, Araya; Salazar, Flores; Mora, Soto, Alcocer; Ugalde.

What time is the England vs Costa Rica match?

The match scheduled for today, June 10, was set to kick off at 4:00 PM (ET), but kickoff was delayed due to weather conditions in Orlando. England confirmed on social media that the game will start at 5:00 PM (ET).

Bellingham is currently recovering from a series of fitness setbacks, most notably a left hamstring injury sustained during a La Liga match with Real Madrid. He also underwent a procedure to fix a shoulder issue.

He missed significant time this season with Los Blancos due to these health issues, yet England manager Thomas Tuchel called him up to ensure elite depth in the midfield.

Jude Bellingham remains a major question mark for Tuchel

Thomas Tuchel selected a highly controversial World Cup roster, leaving out marquee stars like Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, and Morgan Gibbs-White, although he gave an explanation about their absences.

Prior to the announcement, many believed Jude Bellingham would also miss the cut following a difficult, injury-marred season in Spain with Real Madrid that fell short of expectations.

Though Bellingham is not in peak form, he remains a vital asset. England face immense pressure as tournament contenders, meaning the loss of a top-tier playmaker would be costly for Tuchel.

A final chance to prove fitness before the World Cup

The match against New Zealand serves as England’s penultimate tune-up before they face Costa Rica on June 10 in their final international friendly.

While Bellingham sat out the starting lineup today, he could feature against Costa Rica to prove his match fitness. A solid performance there could convince Tuchel to start him on June 17 for England’s World Cup debut against Croatia.

For all wondering, yes! Tim Payne will start for New Zealand against England as par of the back four, alongside defenders Micahel Boxall, Finn Surman, and Liberato Cacace. The goalkeeper will be Max Crocombe. Joe Bell, Marko Stamenic, Eli Just, Sarpreet Singh, and Matt Garbett come as the five midfielders, with Chris Wood as the sole striker.

New Zealand needs to save face as the Kiwis lost to Haiti 4-0 less than a week ago. Now, this is a much harder test, and what New Zealand wants to avoid is to go to the 2026 World Cup after two thrashings.

England’s lineup vs. New Zealand

As for Thomas Tuchel’s side, Jordan Pickford starts in goal. Jarell Quansah, Marc Guehi, John Stones, and Djed Spence will be the four at the back. The midfielders will be Kobbie Mainoo, Jordan Henderson, and Morgan Rogers. For the three up front, Marcus Rashford, Ollie Watkins, and Harry Kane. It’s a 4-3-3 formation for them.

This is the second-to-last friendly England will play before the 2026 World Cup. On June 10, the Three Lions will play vs. Costa Rica as their last test before participating in Group L against Croatia, Ghana, and Panama.

New Zealand’s 2026 World Cup opponents

New Zealand and Tim Payne play in Group G of the 2026 World Cup against Iran, Egypt, and Belgium. Unfortunately for the Kiwis, it seems like a far stretch of the imagination to see them go through to the knockout phases.

New Zealand has played in two World Cups prior to this one (1982, 2010). Their task is not to go through, as they’ve never done it. However, they haven’t won a single game, amassing three defeats and three draws so far.

How to watch England vs New Zealand in the USA

Viewers across the United States can tune in to FOX Soccer Plus for live coverage of this highly anticipated matchup.

Streaming options are also available through Fubo and ViX, allowing fans to watch every minute of the action live.

Can I watch England vs New Zealand for free?

Soccer fans across the United States can stream this marquee contest live through Fubo, which carries the network airing the match nationwide.

While Fubo frequently provides a five-day free trial for new subscribers, so you can take advantage of it to watch the game live.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

England continue their World Cup preparations with a test against New Zealand as both teams look to build momentum before the tournament begins. The Three Lions are considered among the favorites to make a deep run, with Harry Kane leading a squad determined to compete for a place in the final.

New Zealand, meanwhile, are hoping to rebound from a 4-0 loss to Haiti, with Tim Payne and company seeking a confidence-boosting performance before their World Cup opener. With both sides looking to fine-tune their form, this matchup is one fans won’t want to miss.

England vs New Zealand: Predicted Lineups

England (4-2-3-1): Pickford; James, Konsa, Guehi, O’Reilly; Anderson, Mainoo; Rogers, Bellingham, Rashford; Kane.

New Zealand (4-2-3-1): Crocombe; Payne, Surman, Bindon, Cacace; Stamenic, Rufer; Just, McCowatt, Randall; Wood.

What time is the England vs New Zealand match?

The match kicks off today, June 6, at 4:00 PM (ET). For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

Eastern Time: 4:00 PM
Central Time: 3:00 PM
Mountain Time: 2:00 PM
Pacific Time: 1:00 PM

He was asked specifically on Foden, Palmer, and Gibbs-White’s absence from the squad. Tuchel’s answer comes to one thing: balance. “There were difficult phone calls. For some of them, it’s just a positional thing to have a balanced squad so we don’t bring five number tens. Even if it was painful, I think it was the right call for England.”

And while that makes sense, the fact is Tuchel opted to still call three attacking midfielders. Jude Bellingham, Eberechi Eze, and Morgan Rogers will have the task to convince the fans that not having Palmer, Foden, and Gibbs-White was the right call. While Harry Kane is still there, England’s 2026 World Cup roster shows 17 changes from Qatar 2022 squad.

Palmer and Foden provided other options too

While Morgan Gibbs-White is more of a traditional CAM, Cole Palmer and Phil Foden can also play as right wingers. Tuchel would rather call Noni Madueke, who only played 34% of the minutes available in the 25/26 Premier League than calling Palmer and Foden.

Still, the starting right winger will be Bukayo Saka, who is called to be the star that guides the Three Lions to their second World Cup win. Saka just won the Premier League with Arsenal, so he’s riding on high momentum coming into this tournament.

England’s attack has potential to light it up in the 2026 World Cup

It’s expected that Jude Bellingham starts at No. 10 for England. Saka will play on the right, while Marcus Rashford should get the starting spot in the left wing. Of course, Harry Kane will take the lead as the main forward.

Still, the options on the bench look good. Ivan Toney scored at will at the Saudi Pro League this season, and Ollie Watkins was prolific for Aston Villa. England should be confident on the firepower they have for this World Cup.

During the press conference, Tuchel addressed the Maguire situation. “I was surprised to read Maguire’s statement [saying he was shocked]. We had a private conversation and he had the chance to express his feelings. The decision is we stuck with the central defenders who carried us through the autumn”.

Whether fans agree or not with Maguire not getting called, the reality is Tuchel turned the tables on the defender. Also, he gave the explanation, Maguire wasn’t a part of the core that’s been recently selected.

Which defenders will go to the 2026 World Cup for England

The defenders that Tuchel called to play the 2026 World Cup feature Dan Burn, Marc Guehi, Reece James, Ezri Konsa, Tino Livramento, Nico O’Reilly, Jarell Quansah, John Stones, and Djed Spence.

It is a very young, new squad. Many of the players called are new to the scene and haven’t played in a World Cup yet. Still, it’s what Tuchel thinks he needs to get England their second World Cup in history.

Other notable omissions in England’s 2026 World Cup squad

Big-time names like Trent Alexander-Arnold, Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, Fikayo Tomori, Luke Shaw, Lewis Hall, Morgan Gibbs-White, Adam Wharton, Jarrod Bowen, and Alex Scott won’t play in the World Cup. Arguably many of them should’ve made the list.

Now Tuchel is under a lot of pressure. If he fails to deliver, his job might be in jeopardy. Many will point to his 26-man list as the reason England failed. The German manager must bring the title home for the Three Lions… or else.

Placed in Group L alongside Croatia, Ghana, and Panama, England will open their World Cup campaign on June 17 against Croatia in one of the most anticipated group-stage matches of the tournament. The new-look roster blends experienced leaders with several younger players expected to play major roles in the future of the national team.

Among the players selected for the 2026 tournament are Jordan Pickford, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, Declan Rice, and Kane, while several new faces are set to experience their first World Cup with England.

England introduces major changes from Qatar 2022 squad

England’s squad overhaul became especially noticeable through the number of established names left out of the 2026 tournament. Several veterans who played important roles during the Qatar 2022 campaign are no longer part of the national team setup as Tuchel continues reshaping the roster.

The players from England’s 2022 World Cup squad who are absent from the 2026 tournament include Kyle Walker, Harry Maguire, Jack Grealish, Raheem Sterling, Kieran Trippier, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mason Mount, Phil Foden, and James Maddison.

At the same time, England will rely on several players making their World Cup debuts, including James Trafford, Jarell Quansah, Elliot Anderson, Morgan Rogers, and Noni Madueke as the squad enters a new era around stars such as Bellingham and Saka.

Kane remains centerpiece of England’s World Cup ambitions

Even with so many roster changes, Kane remains the face of England’s national team heading into another World Cup. The Bayern Munich striker continues leading the squad after captaining England to the quarterfinals in Qatar 2022.

England enters the tournament with one of the deepest attacking groups in the competition, featuring Kane alongside Rashford, Ollie Watkins, Ivan Toney, Anthony Gordon, and Saka. Combined with the creativity of Bellingham, Eberechi Eze, and Rice in midfield, the Three Lions are once again expected to compete among the favorites in North America.

Projected starting XI for England

Jordan Pickford; Reece James, John Stones, Marc Guehi, Tino Livramento; Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Kobbie Mainoo; Bukayo Saka, Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford.

“I was confident I could have played a major part this summer for my country after the season I’ve had. I’ve been left shocked and gutted by the decision,“ Maguire revealed on his social media accounts. “I’ve loved nothing more than putting that shirt on and representing my country over the years. I wish the players all the best this summer.”

Following Tuchel‘s stunning decision, anticipation is building over which players will make the final cut for England’s World Cup squad in North America. The decision raises eyebrows across the landscape, as several out-of-form players remain in contention for a call-up despite Maguire already being cast aside.

Stars like Phil Foden and Cole Palmer have both endured sluggish club campaigns, leaving genuine uncertainty about whether Tuchel will count on them for the tournament. Meanwhile, rivals are already locking in their squads, with Germany recently dropping their 26-man roster anchored by veteran keeper Manuel Neuer.

What to expect from Tuchel’s 26-man roster

According to The Guardian, while a core group of players have already secured their ticket to the World Cup, a handful of bubble candidates will have to wait until Friday morning to find out if their names are on the plane.

The British media outlet revealed that pillars such as Jude Bellingham, Jordan Pickford, John Stones, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, and captain Harry Kane are locked in to lead the Three Lions under Tuchel’s guidance.

Conversely, several high-profile names are still sweating on a roster spot. Along with the aforementioned struggles of Palmer and Foden, players like Reece James, Eberechi Eze, and Noni Madueke remain on the bubble despite flashing elite potential in the Premier League over the past season.

When will Tuchel announce the 26-man roster?

According to England‘s media relations team, Thomas Tuchel will host a press conference on Friday, May 22 at 9:45 a.m. local time (4:45 a.m. ET). The FA will distribute the official roster across their digital and social media platforms before Tuchel takes questions from the press.