Leeds United face Sunderland in their second pre-season fixture in the early hours of Friday morning for fans in the UK, this time taking to New Jersey as the US Tour continues.
The Whites got their schedule up and running against Wrexham in Tampa, securing some important minutes in legs as preparations for a fresh Premier League campaign got underway, with goals coming from Joël Piroe and Sean Longstaff in an end-to-end first half before the Welsh outfit went on to score the deciding third after the break.
Sunderland were defeated 4-2 by our next opponent Liverpool, with goals coming from Enzo Le Fée and Timur Tuterov in their opening clash in Nashville.
Both sides impressed on their return to the Premier League last campaign after winning promotion from the Sky Bet Championship, with the Whites finishing in 14th while the Black Cats would go on to qualify for European competition.
In the first meeting of the teams in the 2025/26 season, Dominic Calvert-Lewin was well placed to round off a scintillating team move and earn Daniel Farke’s men a point on Wearside in the final encounter of 2025. At Elland Road in the return fixture, the visitors stole the spoils with a narrow victory in West Yorkshire.
With the summer’s first signing Harry Wilson featuring for United in Tampa, Friday’s fixture in New Jersey may give fans an opportunity to see fellow new addition Tarik Muharemović’s maiden outing for his new club, after the defender’s permanent switch from Serie A outfit Sassuolo.
In that encounter with Wrexham, several Academy talents were involved, including first senior starts for full-back Jayden Lienou and midfielders Alfie Cresswell and Callum Mills.
Action from the Sports Illustrated Stadium gets underway at 12.30am BST, Friday 31 July (7:30pm, Thursday 30th July local time).
Supporter information:
Those who are attending the match with us in New Jersey on Thursday evening can find a full guide about the Sports Illustrated Stadium, by clicking here!
The view from inside the camp:
Speaking after the full-time whistle in Tampa, forward Daniel James spoke highly of the productive US Tour so far and hopes it will set the foundations for another impressive term in the Premier League.
“We have got two more games out here so we are looking forward to it,” the Wales international said. “It has been brilliant. I think we have been looked after amazingly. I have been out here before and, every time I do, it has been amazing.
“The people are great and it is always nice to look at that and see the fans out here as well and how much support we have from all over the world.
“I thought we did brilliant last season and we just want to push on as much as we can this season. We have obviously had good additions in already and I am sure we will have more. So, yeah, we have got to keep pushing.”
How to follow:
Supporters around the world can follow the Leeds United US Tour, with the remaining fixtures available to watch live on LUTV. The Whites have upcoming matches against Sunderland in New Jersey and Liverpool in Chicago as preparations continue ahead of the new Premier League season.
Each match will be available to purchase individually for £5, with live coverage available worldwide, excluding the United States.
Please note, games will only be available to stream via the LUTV website and Official Leeds United App.
Daniel Farke’s post-Wrexham thoughts:
Our new look!
In the meeting with Sunderland, the players will be sporting the 2026/27 adidas home kit for the very first time. Inspired by the club’s iconic white, yellow and blue colours, the new strip celebrates 400 years since the signing of the Leeds Town Charter, honouring the city’s rich history while looking ahead to an exciting new Premier League campaign.
2025/26 League Position:
Leeds: 14th (Premier League)
Sunderland 7th (Premier League)
2025/26 Top Scorer:
Leeds: Dominic Calvert-Lewin (14)
Sunderland: Brian Brobbey (7)
Officials:
Referee: Sergii Demianchuk
Assistant referees: Adam Wienchowski, Justin Howard
Fourth Official: Gary Gutierrez
