England manager Thomas Tuchel says his substitutes are likely to remain in the dressing room during next summer’s World Cup matches due to the risks posed by high temperatures.
Speaking on the eve of the World Cup draw in Washington DC, Tuchel told BBC sports editor Dan Roan: “If this is what helps us later in the games, when they start, we have to consider a possibility.”
“No one likes it because I want the players to be out there to feel the energy and give us energy from the bench to the field.
“But I saw players do this at the Club World Cup. Hopefully we can avoid it. It’s always better when they can be with us outside.”
With the tournament set to be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico in June and July 2026, experts warn that high temperatures, wildfires and even hurricanes could impact teams, fans and stadium workers.
The recent Pitches in Peril report, compiled by pressure groups Football for the Future and Common Goal, found that 10 of the 16 World Cup venues are at “a very high risk of experiencing extreme heat stress conditions”.
The scheduling of the Club World Cup last June and July generated complaints from players and managers, since the matches took place in extreme heat conditions.
“It’s a problem for high-level football: it will reduce the intensity of the matches,” Tuchel said of the impact the heat will have.
“It will reduce the amount of intense running, both offensive and defensive. The game and the plan will adapt naturally. You can’t play the same football in 45C as in 21C.
“We need to adapt and prepare the players as best as possible. We need to adapt to the heat, to the cooling systems, and we are working on it. We have put a lot of effort into it and we will be ready when the tournament starts.”
