England manager Thomas Tuchel has complained about a situation during the national anthems at the 2026 World Cup.
The anthems are a key part of the build-up to international matches, with players, coaches and fans all involved.
As always, England sang the world-famous ‘God Save the King’ before their World Cup opener against Croatia.
Even though Tuchel is German and did not sing the anthem, he still wanted to soak up the atmosphere at the Dallas Stadium.
Unfortunately, the England boss feels he was robbed of a special memory by many photographers before the game.
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Why Thomas Tuchel wants FIFA to change national anthems at the World Cup
The coaches typically stand in the dugout looking out at the players on the pitch during the national anthems.
Many consider this the last moment they can enjoy the occasion before the game kicks off and the job takes over.
Tuchel was very disappointed that there were so many photographers in front of him during the English anthem.
This spoiled his moment to reflect on the incredible privilege of leading a proud footballing nation at the World Cup.
The German has since urged FIFA to prevent a similar situation from happening in England’s upcoming matches.
“I have to tell you something. I’m begging FIFA to change the position of the photographers in the national anthem, because I could not see my team,” he told BBC Sport.
“It was a very special moment today, and I was standing in front of a wall of 50 photographers and I could not see one single player. It ruined a little bit my experience today.
“It is very emotional. Listen, when I was young, and even when I started coaching, this was too big to dream of, to have this kind of a career.
“I felt the spirit, and what it means to be part of a World Cup. It’s just amazing, and I felt very, very alive the last two days. I didn’t want to be anywhere else in the world than here.”
Tuchel has already become a fan favourite among the England supporters with his winning mentality and elite coaching.
It will not matter at all that he is German if he leads the Three Lions to their first World Cup since 1966.
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