England’s national football team is undergoing a unique training regime in Girona, Spain, as they prepare for the conditions expected at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Under the guidance of head coach Thomas Tuchel, the squad is using heated tents to simulate the high temperatures and humidity forecasted during the tournament.
Inside the tents, players are tested on exercise bikes in elevated temperatures, mirroring what they could face in cities like Dallas and Miami. Performance staff from the Football Association are closely monitoring how players respond physically and mentally, with a focus on how well they recover after these sessions.
Tuchel, who has previous experience conducting pre-season training in Orlando, acknowledged that adapting to such heat will be a challenge. He stated last week that enduring difficult conditions will be a central part of the tournament experience.
Tuchel to assess climate in the United States
Tuchel plans to travel to the United States this summer during the Club World Cup to observe matches and evaluate the playing environment. He aims to gather first-hand insight into how afternoon kick-offs, particularly in locations like Miami, could impact performance.
“Seeing the games there is key,” Tuchel said. “We need to learn how to cool players effectively, how to hydrate properly, and what resources we have.” He emphasized that although the players will endure the conditions on the field, the coaching staff must prepare them adequately.
He added that he expects discomfort to play a significant role in the tournament. “Suffering is one of the headlines for this World Cup,” he concluded.
England continue strong start under new manager
England has made a confident start to their World Cup qualification campaign, winning both of their opening fixtures under Tuchel’s leadership. They currently top Group K.
Their next qualifier is against Andorra on Saturday. Following that, they will return to England to face Senegal in a friendly match at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground on 10 June.
Concerns remain about extreme heat at 14 of the 16 World Cup venues, with data showing that most days in June and July in Dallas, a host city, surpass 28°C. The training measures taken in Spain are part of England’s broader effort to prepare for these testing conditions.
