“Brave Enough To Dream” says Tuchel as England Target World Cup Glory
Thomas Tuchel insists England must be bold enough to believe they can win the 2026 World Cup, a message delivered just days before the finals draw sets the tone for their summer campaign.
England and Scotland will discover their group opponents on Friday in Washington, D.C., but Tuchel has already seen enough to feel momentum building inside his squad. His confidence is also boosted by FIFA’s new Wimbledon-style seeding that protects England from Spain or Argentina until the semifinals and from France until a potential final.
Appointed in late 2024 with one clear objective to bring home the country’s first World Cup since 1966 Tuchel has spent the past year reshaping England into contenders. When asked by BBC Sport if he feels more optimistic now than he did on day one, he did not hesitate. He said the team has improved and that they are aiming to make something special happen even if guarantees are impossible.
In another interview with ITV Sport, Tuchel stressed the importance of commitment and unity over promises of trophies. He said fans expect a team that gives everything and fights for each other whether they are in the stadium or watching from home. He believes that if the players show that spirit, then anything is possible and that the squad will be brave enough to dream and brave enough to try.
England’s rise under Tuchel follows a strong qualifying run that has raised expectations. Yet the tournament will present new tactical challenges beyond footballing quality, especially the extreme heat across host cities in the United States with Canada and Mexico also staging matches. Tuchel has already explored unconventional solutions, including keeping substitutes inside the dressing room to stay cool, a method used during last summer’s Club World Cup.
He told the BBC that he prefers his bench to be on the touchline feeling and giving energy but accepts that keeping players cooler might help later in games. He said he has seen other teams do it and hopes England can avoid it, though he will consider the option if needed.
England’s potential group could also include familiar rivals. Scotland placed in pot three after securing their first World Cup appearance since 1998 may draw England directly. The Republic of Ireland Wales and Northern Ireland remain playoff hopefuls and could join them depending on results in March.
Final scheduling details, including kickoff times and venues, will only be revealed on Saturday, meaning teams must wait a little longer before understanding their full logistical picture. With the expanded 48 team format and a newly introduced round of 32 the 2026 World Cup will challenge depth as much as top-end talent.
Wales faces Bosnia Herzegovina at home in their playoff semifinal, while Northern Ireland travels to Italy. If both nations progress, they will meet in a decisive one-match showdown for a place at the finals. The Republic of Ireland must win away against Czechia and then again on the road against Denmark or North Macedonia in playoff path D.
For now Tuchel’s message cuts through the noise. England cannot promise triumph but under his leadership they are preparing to chase it with conviction and a willingness to dream bigger than ever.