Tuchel: England Are Underdogs for 2026 World Cup

Tuchel: England Are ‘Underdogs’ Heading Into 2026 World Cup

England manager Thomas Tuchel has claimed the Three Lions will go to the 2026 FIFA World Cup as underdogs, citing the nation’s decades-long drought without a global title and the dominance of recent winners like Brazil, France, and Argentina.

Despite England’s back-to-back European Championship final appearances, Tuchel insists team unity will be the key to overcoming more decorated sides when the tournament kicks off in North America next summer.

“We will arrive as underdogs because we haven’t won it for decades,” Tuchel said.

“Unless we go as a team, we have no chance.”

Focus on Team Spirit & Selection Cohesion

Tuchel, who succeeded Gareth Southgate in January, has enjoyed a strong start with five wins in six matches, but is already emphasising chemistry over individual brilliance.

“We try to collect the guys who have the glue and cohesion to be the best team,” he added.

“You have to be a strong group when you’re together 24/7.”

While Tuchel praised England’s progress under Southgate, he’s made bold decisions in his latest squad, omitting Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden, while Reece James and Harry Kane miss out due to injury. Kane is expected to return for the World Cup qualifier against Latvia on 14 October.

The ‘Second Decision’ Era Begins

Argentina beat France to win the 2022 World Cup

Tuchel’s primary task is clear: bring home the World Cup, a trophy England hasn’t lifted since 1966. His 18-month contract was specifically structured around this mission.

“If you’ve never won Wimbledon, you may be one of the favourites but you’re not the favourite,” Tuchel said in a tennis analogy.

“We have Brazil, Argentina, Spain, France – they just did it recently.”

He warned that tournament success will rely more on mental fortitude and unity than just talent.

England’s Record & Rankings: Do They Really Underdogs?

While Tuchel downplays expectations, FIFA rankings paint a different picture. England currently sit 4th in the world, trailing only Spain, France, and Argentina.

They’ve progressed deep into recent major tournaments:

• Euro 2020: Finalists

• Euro 2024: Finalists

• World Cup 2018: Semi-finalists

• World Cup 2022: Quarter-finalists

But historical patterns support Tuchel’s concern. South American teams have dominated World Cups held in the Americas. Germany (2014) remains the only European nation to win there.

The climate factor is also key: heat and humidity in the USA, Mexico, and Canada could pose problems for European sides unused to such conditions.

What’s Next for England?

Tuchel continues his evaluation of the squad during the October international break, with a friendly against Wales before a crucial qualifier in Riga against Latvia.

With just two camps remaining before the World Cup, every session counts as Tuchel looks to blend tactical precision with deep-rooted team spirit.

“When people talk about winning titles, I always hear the same thing: we were a team – or we weren’t,” said Tuchel.

As England aim to end 60 years of hurt, the foundation of success may lie not in stardust, but in solidarity.