England manager Thomas Tuchel has declared his side will dare to dream of lifting the World Cup trophy in 2026, insisting anything is possible if the players show the right fighting spirit. The German coach struck a bullish tone on the eve of the tournament draw in Washington DC, buoyed by a perfect qualifying campaign.
Confidence Soars After Flawless Qualification
Tuchel revealed he is more confident of success now than when he took the job at the start of the year. His confidence stems from getting to know his squad intimately and overseeing a dominant qualification phase. England won all eight of their qualifying matches without conceding a single goal, a formidable record that has shifted public perception and expectation.
"Everyone knows that we cannot promise that we win it," Tuchel stated. "But they want to see a team, a team spirit, a team that gives everything and fights for each other. If the players bring that then I think anything is possible. We will be brave enough to dream about it."
No Fear in the Draw and Embracing All Challenges
Ahead of the draw, Tuchel dismissed any notion of wanting to avoid specific opponents, calling such wishes a potential trap. He ruled out fearing a potential group-stage clash with Scotland, stating it would simply be "a nice story" to embrace.
"I am very superstitious about this," he explained, drawing on past experiences in Germany. "When you thought you had an easier group... the opponent had the match of his day and beat you. We just want to know who we face."
The coach also addressed the significant logistical and environmental challenges awaiting in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. He acknowledged extreme heat, humidity, long travel, and potential weather delays, framing them as a test of mindset rather than a purely tactical problem. One radical adaptation could see substitutes kept in air-conditioned dressing rooms until needed, a measure Tuchel said he would consider if it offered a competitive edge.
FA Backing and Preparations Spring into Action
The Football Association's chief executive, Mark Bullingham, echoed the positive mood, praising the "brilliant energy" Tuchel has brought to the role and the strong response from the players. The FA's logistics team is poised to secure an optimal training base immediately after the draw, with Kansas City a preferred central location.
A pre-tournament camp is planned for Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where the squad could train and play warm-up matches at Inter Miami's stadium, co-owned by England legend David Beckham. "We've got a really clear plan and we've mapped out every eventuality," Bullingham confirmed, highlighting extensive preparations for acclimatisation.
As the football world turns its eyes to the draw, Tuchel's message is clear: England, armed with renewed belief and a perfect qualifying record, are ready to compete with the world's best and chase the ultimate dream in 2026.
