Thomas Tuchel Will Consider Idea That's Never Been Seen at World Cup

Thomas Tuchel has explained what action England will consider taking if temperatures become too hot at the World Cup in North America.

On the eve of the 2026 World Cup draw in Washington, Tuchel spoke at length about the challenges England, as well as the other 48 teams in the competition, will potentially face as a result of extreme heat.

Experts have warned that high temperatures, wildfires and even hurricanes could affect teams, fans and stadium workers at next summer's tournament across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

In fact, a recent report from Pitches in Peril found that 10 of the 16 venues are at "very high risk of experiencing extreme heat stress conditions".

As a result of these potentially intense conditions, Tuchel has confirmed that England will consider keeping substitutes in the changing room if temperatures are too hot.

"If this is what helps us later in matches when they come on, we have to consider it a possibility," he told BBC Sport. "Nobody likes it because I want the players to be out there to feel the energy and give us energy from the bench on to the field."

Tuchel pictured alongside Rio Ferdinand ahead of the 2026 World Cup draw. Image credit: Getty

He added: "But I saw players doing this at the Club World Cup. Hopefully we can avoid it. It's always better when they can be with us outside."

Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich kept substitutes inside to stay cool as on-field temperatures reached 30C and beyond at the Club World Cup, which was held in the United States from June 14 to July 13 this year.

Atletico Madrid's Marcos Llorente opened up on the impact of playing in 40-degree heat with 60 per cent humidity following their 4-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.

"We are adapting to the heat of playing at this time. No European team is used to competing with such high temperatures," he said, as per Marca. "My toes hurt so badly, my nails hurt. I couldn't stop or start."

Tuchel agreed that it will reduce the intensity of matches.

"It will reduce the amount of intensive runs, offensively and defensively," he added. "The match and the plan will naturally adapt. You cannot play the same football in 45C than in 21C."

Players struggled in the Philadelphia heat during this year's Club World Cup. Image credit: Getty

"We need to adapt and prepare the players as good as possible," Tuchel continued. "We need to adapt to the heat, to cooling systems, and we're on it. We've put a lot of effort into it, and we will be ready when the tournament starts."

PSG manager Luis Enrique gave brutal insight into temperatures at Club World Cup

Speaking after the previously mentioned game against Atletico Madrid, which took place in June last year, Luis Enrique revealed the impact soaring temperatures were having on his team.

"The match was clearly influenced by the temperature," he said.

"The time slot is great for European audiences, but the teams are suffering. In terms of play, it's impossible to perform at a very high level for 90 minutes,” he added, despite praising the club’s dominance."

PSG midfielder Vitinha added: "Of course, it's difficult. It's for both teams. It might be a bit harder for Atlético because they don't have the ball. For me, it's harder to run after the ball. It's hot here today at this time. I'm all red. It was really difficult."