England manager Thomas Tuchel has said he may keep substitutes inside during the 2026 FIFA World Cup to protect them from extreme heat.
Speaking ahead of the World Cup draw in Washington DC, Tuchel told BBC Sport that the idea could help his players stay fresh and make a bigger impact when they enter the pitch.
“If this helps us, then we have to see it as an option,” he said. “Nobody likes it, because I want the players outside with us to feel the energy. But I have seen teams do this at the Club World Cup. Hopefully we can avoid it.”
The World Cup will be hosted across the USA, Canada and Mexico in June and July — months known for high temperatures. Experts have warned that heat, wildfires and hurricanes could affect the tournament.
A recent report titled Pitches in Peril said that 10 out of the 16 World Cup venues are at “very high risk” of extreme heat stress.
Tuchel noted that playing in hot conditions will reduce the intensity of matches.
“You cannot play the same football in 45°C as in 21°C,” he said. “We must prepare the players to adapt to the heat and make use of cooling systems. We are working on it and we will be ready.”
He also acknowledged the challenge of long travel distances and possible weather delays.
“It will be hot, humid, and there will be a lot of travelling,” he added. “It’s more about the right mindset than trying to solve every problem before it happens.”
