England in talks for friendly against Sporting Kansas City after

Short overview
England are negotiating a behind-closed-doors friendly against MLS side Sporting Kansas City following their World Cup opener against Croatia. The match would take place between the Croatia game on Wednesday and the Ghana match next Tuesday.
England are in discussions to play a behind-closed-doors friendly against Major League Soccer side Sporting Kansas City after their World Cup opener against Croatia, sources have confirmed.
Timing and logistics
The proposed friendly would take place between England's first group match against Croatia on Wednesday in Dallas (21:00 BST) and their second group game against Ghana next Tuesday (21:00 BST). Talks are underway, but sources close to the Football Association have stressed that details, including the opposition, have yet to be finalized.
Training base and facilities
England are based in Kansas City for the duration of the tournament and train daily at Swope Soccer Village, located just 15 minutes' drive from the city center. Sporting Kansas City, the local MLS franchise, is managed by former Switzerland international Raphael Wicky.
Previous friendly and purpose
England have already played one behind-closed-doors game in the United States, against Miami FC during their pre-tournament camp in Florida. If another friendly is arranged, it is expected to be used primarily to build match fitness for players who do not see significant minutes against Croatia.
More on these topics
Uefa set to drop Fifa boycott threat after assurances
Uefa is expected to lift its threat of boycotting Fifa competitions after receiving assurances that plans to sell World Cup stakes to private investors will not be revived. The decision, to be discussed at Thursday's executive committee meeting, would allow the Under-20 Women's World Cup in Poland to proceed.

Graham Arnold signs six-month extension as Iraq head coach
Graham Arnold has signed a six-month contract extension with the Iraq Football Association, keeping him at the helm for the Gulf Cup and the 2025 AFC Asian Cup. Despite a four-year offer, Arnold chose a shorter term, citing mutual interests.
England Women U20s squad named amid Fifa boycott threat
England Women U20s head coach Lydia Bedford has named her 21-player squad for the Fifa U20s Women's World Cup in Poland, amid threats of a European boycott over the controversial Fifa Forward Enterprise proposal. The tournament runs from 5 to 27 September.

Senegal's Ndiaye: From Bundesliga Debut to World Cup Stage
Bara Sapoko Ndiaye, an 18-year-old midfielder, made his FIFA World Cup debut for Senegal in 2026 after a rapid rise from Bayern Munich's youth setup. His journey highlights a new generation of Senegalese talent poised to lead the national team.

