2026 World Cup: Tuchel’s Controversial Appeal Divides England: “Don’t Send Your Kids to School”

After narrowly qualifying against Congo thanks to Harry Kane’s two goals in the final minutes of the match, England is set to face a grueling match in Mexico on Monday night at 1 a.m. UK time. At Azteca Stadium, the Three Lions will face the hosts under very challenging weather and environmental conditions, and head coach Thomas Tuchel is hoping that at least some support will come from back home.

“The game is at 1 a.m., and I think it’s only fair that kids and teens be allowed to stay up to watch it. Come up with an excuse not to send your kids to school and let them watch the game…,” was the controversial appeal he made at a press conference.

“There’s plenty to do at school, but the World Cup only comes around every four years. Let them watch the game. In four days, there will be a very important match, and we need everyone’s support—especially from the kids,” Tuchel continued. Most schools in England close at the end of July.

Tuchel is particularly concerned about the altitude of Azteca Stadium, at 2,200 meters: the English aren’t used to it, unlike Mexico, which has always played there so far. “We don’t have time to acclimate; we’ll arrive in Mexico just two days before the match. It will be a major disadvantage, but we’ll deal with it.”