England manager Thomas Tuchel says he may take the unusual step of keeping his substitutes inside the dressing room during matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as teams prepare for dangerous temperatures across North America next summer.

Speaking ahead of the World Cup draw in Washington DC, Tuchel told BBC Sport that the coaching staff are exploring every possible measure to protect players from extreme heat, which experts warn will heavily influence the tournament.

“If it helps us later in matches when substitutions are needed, then we have to consider it,” Tuchel said.
“No one likes the idea—I want the players on the bench with us to share energy—but I’ve already seen teams do this at the Club World Cup. Hopefully we avoid it, but player welfare comes first.”

A World Cup Facing Extreme Weather Risks

The 2026 tournament, hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, is expected to face intense environmental challenges. A recent Pitches in Peril report—produced by Football for the Future and Common Goal—warned that 10 of the 16 venues are at “very high risk” of experiencing extreme heat stress.

Problems could include:

• 40°C+ matchday temperatures
• Wildfire smoke
• High humidity
• Hurricanes and severe storms
• Long travel distances between venues

Tuchel says the impact on player fitness and playing style will be impossible to ignore.

“It will lower match intensity,” he explained. “You cannot expect the same football in 45°C that you get in 21°C. Players can’t make the same number of sprints or defensive runs. The game itself will adapt.”

He added that England are already working on heat preparation, adapting training loads and reviewing cooling strategies well before the tournament begins.

Travel, Delays, and Logistics: Tuchel’s Mindset Message

Another challenge with the 2026 World Cup is the enormous geography of the tournament. Teams may need to cross several time zones between matches, face long domestic flights, and cope with delays caused by storms.

Rather than fixating on problems, Tuchel wants a mental shift from his squad:

“It will be hot, humid, there will be travel, delays, thunderstorms—everything. It’s about accepting difficulties, not pretending we can solve everything in advance.”

Tuchel Confident About England Squad: ‘I Know Who I Want’

Despite speculation over absences in recent squads—including Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham—Tuchel says he has a clear idea of the core group he plans to take to North America.

“Maybe I don’t know the exact starting XI yet, but I know the players I trust. It’s my job to get to know them, form an opinion, and stick with those who’ve earned it.”

The German coach also believes England are now in a genuinely strong position to challenge for a first World Cup title since 1966.

“We’ve got closer, we’ve improved. The recent camps gave us belief. We will arrive with big ambitions—nothing can be guaranteed, but we’ll aim to achieve something special.”

England Among Top Seeds — and a Team No One Wants to Face

England, placed in Pot One, cannot face France, Spain, or Argentina until the semi-finals, provided all win their groups.

After a flawless qualifying run—eight wins, 22 goals scored, none conceded—Tuchel wants to assemble a squad that other teams fear.

“We’re getting stronger. If we arrive with the right energy and team spirit, no one will want to play us.”

Pre-Tournament Friendlies Already in Planning

England will play two warm-up matches immediately before the World Cup. Tuchel says potential opponents depend on Friday’s draw, but the goal is to face strong teams, not low-intensity sides.

Complications include:

• Players involved in late-season finals (Champions League, FA Cup, etc.)
• Short turnaround between club and international duty
• Player fatigue risks

“It’s a tricky window,” Tuchel said. “But the aim is clear: two competitive matches to prepare us properly.”

England’s World Cup preparations continue with the draw, set to determine the path Tuchel hopes will end in history.