Tuchel Advocates for Later Scheduling of 2026 World Cup Matches: Here’s Why

In the summer of 2025, the FIFA Club World Cup took place in the U.S., with many matches held during the day local time, leading to evening kick-offs in Europe. However, Thomas Tuchel prefers later match timings.

Details: The German coach believes scheduling matches later is better, despite the impact on European viewers.

The main concern is the daytime heat in the U.S., with cooler evening temperatures being more suitable for the players. Tuchel recognizes that this timing might not be convenient for fans in Britain and Europe.

Quote: “I understand this is bad for our supporters. I understand, it’s bad for children, bad for young people who go to school, very bad. The next day at school, many will skip lessons,” Tuchel told The Athletic.

England will continue their World Cup qualifying campaign in October. They are scheduled to face Latvia on October 14 and will play a friendly against Wales on October 9.

Reminder: Jude Bellingham from Real Madrid was named England’s Player of the Season for 2024/25, following a vote by supporters of the English Football Association.