England Train in Heat Tents to Prepare for 2026 World Cup

Tuchel’s Squad Focus on Heat Acclimatisation at Girona Camp

England’s national team are training in heat-controlled tents in Spain as part of their preparations for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico — where high temperatures and humidity could pose a major challenge.

Thomas Tuchel’s side are currently holding a training camp in Girona ahead of their upcoming matches: a World Cup qualifier against Andorra on Saturday, followed by a friendly against Senegal at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground on 10 June.

To simulate tournament conditions, players are undergoing fitness sessions inside specially designed tents with elevated temperatures, mimicking the heat expected in cities like Dallas, Miami, and Orlando.

Tuchel: “Suffering Will Be a Theme” in 2026

Tuchel, who took charge of England earlier this year, has spoken openly about his concern regarding the extreme heat during the summer tournament in North America.

“It is important to see matches now in America, and in Miami at three in the afternoon,” said Tuchel. “We need to understand how to cool the players down, how to hydrate them properly.”

The manager also plans to attend the FIFA Club World Cup in the U.S. this summer to observe real-match conditions and refine England’s preparation strategy.

“I’ll be surprised if we do not suffer,” Tuchel added. “Suffering is one of the headlines for this World Cup.”

Monitoring Player Recovery and Performance

The Football Association’s performance team is using the heated tent sessions to measure how players’ bodies react to heat stress — testing stamina, recovery, and hydration.

Players will perform cardio-based drills, such as cycling, and data on heart rate, cooling, and rehydration will be collected to inform decisions ahead of the 2026 tournament.

According to heat index models, 14 of the 16 host stadiums could reach “potentially dangerous” levels during the summer months. In cities like Dallas, over 80% of days in June and July regularly exceed 28°C (82°F).

England Sit Top of Group K in Qualifying

Tuchel has overseen a positive start to England’s World Cup qualifying campaign, with back-to-back wins placing them top of Group K.

As preparations intensify, the England camp is aiming not just for qualification, but for readiness in the face of what Tuchel calls “the hardest environmental challenge we’ve faced in a tournament.”