Key Points
- Leeds United announced a pre-season US Tour 2026 with three fixtures: vs Wrexham AFC on Saturday 25 July at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida; vs Sunderland AFC on Thursday 30 July at Sports Illustrated Stadium in New Jersey; and vs Liverpool on Sunday 2 August at Soldier Field in Chicago.
- This marks the first US visit for Leeds United in 29 years, based along the East Coast with fan activations planned.
- Supporters who registered interest will receive exclusive pre-sale links and codes starting Tuesday 10 March at 4pm GMT (11am EST); general ticket sales to follow via each stadium’s website.
- Leeds United Chief Business Officer Morrie Eisenberg stated: “We are delighted to have been invited to visit the US this pre-season, with the opportunity to play three great matches at three fantastic venues. This is a great chance to grow our global presence, work with our commercial partners and most importantly provide the first team squad with outstanding training facilities to prepare for the new season. I hope supporters are as excited at the prospect of playing in the US for the first time in nearly 30 years as we are, and we can’t wait to see our famous following on the other side of the pond.”
- The tour is part of a mini-series involving Leeds United, Liverpool, Wrexham, and Sunderland, with US-based ownership links for three clubs: 49ers Enterprises (Leeds), Fenway Sports Group (Liverpool), and Ryan Reynolds/Rob McElhenney (Wrexham).
- Kick-off times to be announced; tickets available through stadium pre-sales, with secondary markets like StubHub and Vivid Seats mentioned for the series.
- Additional context from The Athletic’s Adam Crafton notes games in Philadelphia, Tampa, Nashville, and Chicago’s Soldier Field for Leeds vs Liverpool.
Leeds (The Leeds Times) March 9, 2026 – Leeds United have unveiled plans for a highly anticipated pre-season tour to the United States this summer, featuring blockbuster friendlies against Wrexham AFC, Sunderland AFC, and Liverpool, as announced on the club’s official website. Supporters who registered interest now have access to exclusive pre-sale ticket opportunities starting Tuesday 10 March at 4pm GMT. This tour, the Whites’ first in the US for 29 years, promises thrilling matchups in iconic venues across Tampa, New Jersey, and Chicago, boosting the club’s global fanbase ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
- Key Points
- What Are the Fixture Details for Leeds United’s US Tour?
- How and When Can Supporters Buy Tickets?
- Why Is This Tour Significant for Leeds United?
- Who Are the Opponents and What Makes These Matches Exciting?
- What Is the Background to Leeds United’s US Tour Announcement?
- How Does the US Tour Fit into Pre-Season Trends?
- What Should Fans Expect Beyond the Matches?
- Venue Spotlights: What to Know About the Stadiums?
What Are the Fixture Details for Leeds United’s US Tour?
Leeds United’s US Tour 2026 kicks off on Saturday 25 July with a clash against Sky Bet Championship side Wrexham AFC at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The second fixture sees Daniel Farke’s men face Premier League rivals Sunderland AFC on Thursday 30 July at Sports Illustrated Stadium, home of New York Red Bulls in New Jersey. The tour culminates on Sunday 2 August against 2024/25 Premier League champions Liverpool at Soldier Field, the iconic home of Chicago Fire and Chicago Bears.
As detailed in the official club announcement on leedsunited.com, kick-off times are yet to be confirmed but will be shared in due course. This East Coast-based itinerary allows for optimal training facilities and fan engagements, according to club statements.
Reports from OneFootball confirm the fixtures: Leeds vs Wrexham on 25 July, vs Sunderland on 30 July, and vs Liverpool in Chicago.
How and When Can Supporters Buy Tickets?
The official guide on leedsunited.com specifies that registered supporters will receive an exclusive pre-sale link and code for each stadium, opening on Tuesday 10 March at 4pm GMT (11am EST). Fans are urged to register interest immediately for tickets, hospitality, and travel packages via the club’s site to avoid missing out.
General sales will follow through the respective stadium websites: Raymond James Stadium for Tampa, Sports Illustrated Stadium for New Jersey, and Soldier Field for Chicago. Secondary marketplaces like StubHub, Vivid Seats, and Geek are already listing options for the series, with purchase links promoted in NJ.com coverage of the USA Summer Soccer Series.
SeatPick notes broader Leeds United ticket availability but does not specify US tour details yet, emphasising verified sellers for 100% guaranteed tickets.
Why Is This Tour Significant for Leeds United?
This pre-season venture marks Leeds United’s return to the US after 29 years, aligning with growing Premier League interest in American markets. As reported by Adam Crafton of The Athletic, the mini-series involves Leeds, Liverpool, Wrexham, and Sunderland in venues including Philadelphia, Tampa, Nashville, and Chicago’s Soldier Field.
The Leeds Press highlights the commercial boon, noting Manchester United earned £7.9 million from a similar 2025 event, with Leeds’ 49ers Enterprises ownership driving global expansion. Morrie Eisenberg, Leeds United Chief Business Officer, emphasised in the official release:
“This is a great chance to grow our global presence, work with our commercial partners and most importantly provide the first team squad with outstanding training facilities to prepare for the new season.”
Several fan activations and activities are planned throughout the tour, to be announced soon, enhancing the experience for travelling supporters.
Who Are the Opponents and What Makes These Matches Exciting?
Wrexham AFC, currently in the Championship play-off places, bring Hollywood flair via owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, facing Leeds in Tampa. Sunderland AFC, enjoying an “impressive return to the top-flight,” host in New Jersey per official details.
The headline fixture pits Leeds against Liverpool, whom the Whites remained undefeated against this season, at Soldier Field. OneFootball and The Leeds Press underscore the rivalry’s appeal, with US ownership ties amplifying interest.
Facebook groups buzz with excitement over Soldier Field and Yankee Stadium mentions, though Leeds’ slate is confirmed as Tampa, New Jersey, and Chicago.
What Is the Background to Leeds United’s US Tour Announcement?
The announcement follows Leeds’ recent domestic challenges, including losses to Manchester City and Sunderland, as covered by The Leeds Press, with nine Premier League games left to secure top-flight status. Despite this, pre-season planning advances, per club insiders.
Leeds United Americas (LUAmericas) provides general visiting guidance, stressing My Leeds Membership for ticket priority, though not US-specific. Ticket-Compare outlines domestic sales phases: priority for long-term members, then general My Leeds access.
This tour fits a trend of lucrative US friendlies, vital for revenue amid Elland Road expansion ambitions and broadcast deals, as analysed by The Leeds Press.
How Does the US Tour Fit into Pre-Season Trends?
Premier League clubs increasingly target the US for pre-season, with NJ.com detailing the Summer Soccer Series schedule: Wrexham AFC vs Leeds on 25 July in Tampa; Leeds vs Sunderland on 30 July in Harrison, NJ; and Liverpool vs Leeds on 2 August implied in Chicago context.
OneFootball reports position it as a confirmed USA pre-season tour, highlighting Wrexham, Sunderland, and Liverpool clashes. The Athletic’s Adam Crafton first reported the mini-series involving these clubs in key US cities.
For Leeds, it’s a strategic move post-49ers takeover to scale brand deals, as staying in the Premier League unlocks such opportunities.
What Should Fans Expect Beyond the Matches?
Fan zones, activations, and hospitality packages are in development, with registrations open now. Travel tips from LUAmericas recommend early planning, as high-demand fixtures sell out fast via leedsunited.com or phone (+44 371-334-1992).
Hospitality and bundled travel will be prioritised for registered fans during pre-sales. Supporters should monitor official channels for kick-off times and further announcements.
Venue Spotlights: What to Know About the Stadiums?
Raymond James Stadium in Tampa hosts the opener, known for its pirate ship and vibrant atmosphere. Sports Illustrated Stadium in New Jersey offers modern facilities for the Sunderland clash. Soldier Field’s historic grandeur suits the Liverpool finale, accommodating massive crowds.
These venues, per series coverage, ensure top-tier experiences with easy access for East Coast basing.
