England head coach, Thomas Tuchel, has hinted that he may consider keeping his substitutes inside the dressing room during next summer’s World Cup matches to shield them from the intense heat expected across North America.
Speaking ahead of the World Cup draw in Washington DC, Tuchel told BBC Sport that the idea—though far from ideal—could help players come on fresher and more impactful.
He said, “If this is what benefits us when they come on, we have to see it as an option. Nobody likes it because I want the players to be out there to feel the energy and give us energy from the bench. But I saw players doing this at the Club World Cup. Hopefully we can avoid it.”
The 2026 tournament, jointly hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, will run through June and July—months known for intense heat, humidity, and unpredictable weather. Experts have already warned of extreme conditions, including the risks of wildfires and hurricanes.
A recent Pitches in Peril report revealed that 10 out of the 16 World Cup venues are at very high risk of extreme heat stress.
Reflecting on the Club World Cup experience earlier this year, Tuchel admitted that the heat is set to influence the style and intensity of the matches.
He explained, “You cannot play the same football in 45°C as you do in 21°C. The heat will affect the intensity, the runs, and the overall match plan. We need to adapt, prepare the players, and be ready with cooling systems.”
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Tuchel also acknowledged the logistical challenges of a tournament spread across three vast countries, saying the team must mentally prepare for long travel, potential delays, and harsh weather conditions.
“It will be hot, humid, and there will be long trips. There may even be delays due to thunderstorms. It’s more about mindset than having every solution beforehand,” he added.
Overall, Tuchel believes adaptability—both physical and mental—will be key to England’s success in the 2026 World Cup.
