Ed Sheeran offered his support to the England national football team ahead of the knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup by performing a surprise acoustic concert at their training base in Kansas City. The pop artist, who has developed a close relationship with the squad since first visiting their camp in 2021, played a set by the pool at the Inn at Meadowbrook hotel following England’s final group match against Panama.

In a recent podcast interview, Sheeran described the performance as part of a longstanding tradition. “Since the first time I played for the lads in 2021 we’ve bonded, so it’s never a tough crowd,” he said, noting that England captain Harry Kane initially introduced him to the team. The singer has attended every England camp since, fostering a connection with the players off the pitch.

Sheeran delivered an acoustic rendition of his hit “Castle on the Hill,” aiming to boost player morale as England prepared for the more challenging stages of the tournament. The singer expressed confidence in England’s prospects, predicting an England versus France final and expressing optimism that England could win. “I think when you get to the final anyone can win and I think it will be us,” he said.

The private performance, kept out of the public eye until now, highlighted the team’s close-knit atmosphere and the role that familiar faces from outside football can play in supporting players during major international tournaments. England’s squad will next face their Round of 16 opponent as they pursue their first World Cup title since 1966.