England’s manager Thomas Tuchel has expressed his concerns regarding player welfare and performance during the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. With the tournament scheduled for June and July, Tuchel is considering the possibility of keeping substitutes in the dressing room to mitigate the effects of extreme heat.
Speaking prior to the World Cup draw in Washington, D.C., Tuchel commented on the situation, emphasizing that while he understands the importance of having players on the sidelines to motivate the team, the rising temperatures could necessitate drastic measures. “If this is what helps us later in matches when they come on, we have to consider it a possibility,” he stated, acknowledging that no one is particularly fond of the idea.
Historically, previous tournaments like last year’s Club World Cup faced similar criticisms for their schedules amid high temperatures. Tuchel noted that although it’s preferable for substitutes to remain engaged from the sidelines, players who participated in the Club World Cup had to adapt to these challenging conditions. “Hopefully we can avoid it. It’s always better when they can be with us outside,” he added.
Concerns from experts about potential environmental hazards paint a concerning picture for the tournament. A recent report titled “Pitches in Peril,” produced by advocacy groups Football for the Future and Common Goal, highlighted that 10 of the 16 venues are at “very high risk of experiencing extreme heat stress conditions.” The implications of high temperatures, along with threats such as wildfires and hurricanes, could put significant strain on teams, fans, and stadium workers.
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Tuchel warned about the detrimental impact extreme heat could have on match performance, suggesting that it would lower the intensity of play and reduce the number of impactful runs on the field. “You cannot play the same football in 45C than in 21C. We need to adapt and prepare the players as good as possible,” he cautioned, emphasizing the need for cooling systems and other preparations to combat heat-related challenges.
On the logistical aspects of the tournament, Tuchel acknowledged the potential difficulties posed by extensive travel between venues, which could further complicate matters. He stated, “We have to be prepared to accept difficulties. It will be hot, it will be humid, it will be a lot of travelling, it will be a lot of delays – there can be delays with thunderstorms.” Ultimately, he suggested that a resilient mindset would be crucial as they navigate the unpredictable conditions ahead of the World Cup.
