England set to be forced to leave Wembley as details emerge after World Cup qualifying draw

WATCH NOW: Sports round-up with England set to be forced out of Wembley

Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 14/12/2024

- 16:06

Coldplay are causing chaos for the FA

England will reportedly be forced to seek an alternative venue for their 2026 World Cup qualifying match against Andorra, scheduled for September 6.

The national stadium is unavailable due to a series of Coldplay concerts taking place at Wembley during that period, according to The Sun.


The fixture, which forms part of England's qualifying campaign under new manager Thomas Tuchel, cannot be held at the traditional home of English football due to the scheduling conflict.

British rock band Coldplay have scheduled 10 shows at Wembley Stadium between August 22 and September 8.

England Wembley World Cup

England will reportedly be forced to seek an alternative venue for their 2026 World Cup qualifying match against Andorra, scheduled for September 6

PA

The concerts include performances on September 4 and 7, making it logistically impossible for England to host their match against Andorra at the venue on September 6.

The scheduling clash means the Football Association must now identify an alternative stadium for the World Cup qualifying fixture.

England have played several home matches away from Wembley in recent years, with plenty of top arenas to choose from.

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Coldplay

England will likely have to leave Wembley because of Coldplay concerts happening in the stadium

PA

In June, the Three Lions hosted Bosnia & Herzegovina at Newcastle's St James' Park ahead of Euro 2024.

Manchester United's Old Trafford was the setting for England's impressive 7-0 victory over North Macedonia in June 2023.

Both Molineux and the Riverside Stadium have also served as temporary homes for England's national team since 2021.

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Speaking about the qualifying draw, new England manager Tuchel expressed his respect for the opposition.

"I have huge respect for Serbia and Albania. They can always surprise they have a strong history of technical football, of emotional players and groups," said Tuchel.

The England boss emphasised the importance of taking the campaign seriously, stating: "We are huge favourites and we have to qualify, this is where all the focus goes."

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He added that England must approach the qualifiers "with respect and make it happen before we can dream the dream."

England's qualifying campaign begins on March 21 with a home fixture against Albania at Wembley.

This will be followed by another home match against Latvia three days later.

England Thomas Tuchel

England boss Thomas Tuchel opened up after the World Cup qualifying draw on Friday

PA

The Three Lions will then travel to Andorra in June before the September home fixture against the same opposition that requires a new venue.

England's campaign continues with an away trip to Serbia in September, followed by an October visit to Latvia.

The qualifying schedule concludes in November 2025 with a home match against Serbia and an away fixture in Albania.

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