England manager Thomas Tuchel has openly encouraged his players to harbour dreams of lifting the 2026 FIFA World Cup, admitting he has already visualised the moment of triumph himself.
A Dream Forged in Belief
The German coach, who will discover England's group stage opponents in Friday's prestigious draw in Washington, stated that fostering this ambitious mindset is crucial. Tuchel told ITV that he has personally pictured winning the tournament, emphasising that the ultimate joy would be sharing the success with players, staff, and loved ones.
"Yes, of course. You dream about it because it’s huge," Tuchel said. He stressed that while victory cannot be promised, fans demand to see a unified team with relentless spirit. The Three Lions boss believes that if the squad embodies these qualities, "anything is possible." He acknowledged a palpable shift in expectation and feedback from supporters, who have been impressed by the team's recent development and performances.
Preparing for a North American Furnace
With the 2026 World Cup being hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, Tuchel is meticulously planning for the significant challenge of stifling summer temperatures. In a notable revelation, he confirmed he would contemplate an unusual tactical approach used by Borussia Dortmund at last summer's Club World Cup: keeping substitutes in the cooler dressing room until needed to shield them from the sun.
"If this is what helps us later in the match when they come on, okay we consider that as a possibility," Tuchel explained to the BBC. While preferring his bench to be pitchside to contribute energy, he acknowledged the practical benefits seen by other teams. "I saw teams doing this... Hopefully we can avoid it. It is always better if they can be with us."
Bellingham Reaction Addressed
Separately, Tuchel confirmed he has now reviewed the incident involving Jude Bellingham's visible frustration at being substituted during the recent match against Albania. After initially stating he had not seen the reaction live, Tuchel said he has since examined the footage.
"Yes, of course. It’s pretty clear what happened," he stated, before deftly pivoting the focus back to the imminent World Cup draw in the American capital. The manager indicated the matter was not for immediate discussion, underscoring the priority of the upcoming tournament preparations.
As England stand among the favourites for the 2026 crown, Tuchel's blend of bold dreaming and pragmatic, innovative planning defines the new era. The draw in Washington marks the next critical step on the path to turning that dream into reality.
