With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, both England and Scotland are using this international window to fine-tune preparations, taking their pre-tournament friendlies across the Atlantic to the United States. The build-up to what promises to be a landmark tournament is well under way, and the mood surrounding both camps could hardly be more different.

Wiegman counts the cost after Spain setback

Sarina Wiegman was in candid mood following England Women's defeat to Spain, admitting the result and the manner of it caught her off guard. "Of course it hurts," the England manager said. "I expected a totally different game. I expected a very tight game, a very competitive game, but it was different tonight, so that's of course really disappointing and that hurts."

Wiegman was forthright in her assessment of where her side fell short. England struggled to retain possession, failed to find passes in behind Spain's defensive line, and were repeatedly opened up when out of the ball. "We were really struggling to keep the ball and find the passes further away or in behind," she explained. "Out of possession, we were really struggling to stay compact, especially in our own half… our connections weren't so good and they found the space we left."

It is a sobering assessment from a manager who has built her reputation on meticulous preparation and tactical discipline. Spain, coming off the back of a European Championship triumph and boasting arguably the deepest squad in world football, were clinical in exploiting every gap England offered. For Wiegman, the immediate task is clear: restore the organisational structure and in-possession confidence that has defined England's best performances under her tenure.

Scotland join the transatlantic push

Scotland are also using the US window to prepare for a World Cup campaign, with their own friendly fixture part of a broader programme of matches taking place on American soil ahead of this summer's tournament. The setting is significant — playing in host-nation conditions gives both squads a chance to acclimatise and raise their profiles with a stateside audience that will be watching the World Cup in unprecedented numbers.

Spain and Brazil among the favourites

Away from the pitch, debate about who will lift the trophy in North America is already in full swing. Spain's combination of technical quality, tactical flexibility and the continued development of their young stars makes them many people's first pick. Brazil, under Carlo Ancelotti, are being cited as a potential dark horse — a squad with enormous individual talent that has historically carried the weight of expectation heavily, but one that an experienced European manager might yet unlock.

The market reflects Spain's status as the tournament's benchmark, though the competition is wide open enough to leave room for several realistic challengers.

Sullivan departure overshadows the day's football

Off the pitch, the day brought significant news from club football when West Ham United confirmed that joint-chairman David Sullivan had stepped down from his position with immediate effect. Sullivan also resigned as a director of both WH Holding Limited and West Ham United Football Club. The club confirmed that interim chief executive officer Karim Virani will continue to lead day-to-day operations, with the board's future structure to be confirmed in due course.

Sullivan's departure comes less than a fortnight after West Ham's relegation from the Premier League — a damaging end to a difficult season at the London Stadium.

For now, though, the focus shifts back to the football. England's friendly and Scotland's fixture offer genuine competitive value in gauging World Cup readiness. For Wiegman and her staff, the Spain performance will have provided a clear picture of the work still required. The tournament is close enough to make these lessons urgent.

FAQs

Frequently asked

When are England's World Cup 2026 warm-up friendlies?
England are playing friendlies in the United States during the June 2026 international window as part of their World Cup build-up. Specific kick-off times and opponents for each fixture should be confirmed via the FA's official channels.
Why did Sarina Wiegman say the England Women's result hurt?
Wiegman was reacting to a heavy defeat against Spain, which she described as unexpected. She said England struggled to keep the ball, stay compact out of possession and create chances, making it a deeply disappointing night for the squad.
Who will win the 2026 World Cup?
Spain are widely regarded as favourites given their recent European Championship success and the depth of quality across their squad. Brazil, under Carlo Ancelotti, are frequently mentioned as a team with the potential to challenge for the title.