Burnley FC kick off their summer US tour on Friday night against FC Cincinnati at TQL Stadium, marking their first competitive outing since a 1–1 draw at Wolves on May 24. League standing: 19th in the Premier League, 22 points, 4 wins, 10 draws and 24 losses from 38 games, with recent form DLDLL.

What’s Burnley’s plan in the States?

The Clarets are in the US to face MLS sides as part of a four-match tour that also includes games against Columbus Crew and Real Salt Lake. Burnley, relegated from the Premier League in 2025–26, are using the trip to test fitness and chemistry ahead of their Championship campaign. Interim boss Mike Jackson called the facilities “first-class” and said the squad is treating the friendlies as serious preparation.

And the Americans have rolled out the red carpet. Burnley trained at the Cincinnati Bengals’ facility on Thursday, watched a Reds baseball game on Wednesday, and met local sports figures. Jackson revealed he speaks regularly with J.J. Watt, a minority investor in the club, and tapped the NFL legend for advice during the tour.

How did last season end for Burnley?

Burnley’s 2025–26 Premier League campaign ended in 19th place with 22 points from 38 games. They shipped 75 goals—only three teams conceded more—and finished 63 points behind champions Arsenal. Their final five results read DDDDL, with the last outing a 1–1 draw at Wolves on May 24.

The Clarets have yo-yoed between the top flight and the Championship for four straight seasons, last enjoying back-to-back Premier League campaigns in 2020–21 and 2021–22. Their last top-10 finish came in 2017–18, when they placed seventh and booked Europa League football the following term.

What’s next for Burnley?

After Cincinnati, Burnley head to Columbus and Salt Lake City before returning to England. Their next competitive fixture is a Europa Conference League qualifier away to Ajax on July 26. Jackson insists the squad knows what it takes to bounce straight back.

“It’s not just about ability,” said midfielder Josh Cullen, who started 18 games last season. “It’s attitude, dedication every day, and bringing your best. As long as we keep our focus, we’ll be fine.”