England's national team is facing a unique challenge ahead of the 2026 World Cup, according to Chelsea captain Reece James: the North American heat. Having experienced the intense summer conditions during Chelsea's Club World Cup campaign in the United States, James is urging his England teammates to prepare for what he anticipates will be "super difficult conditions".
James, who led Chelsea to victory at the Club World Cup held in the United States from June 14 to July 13, faced a heatwave in Philadelphia and thunderstorms in Charlotte. This experience has made him acutely aware of the potential impact of the climate on England's performance in the upcoming World Cup. The 2026 World Cup, set to be held across 16 host cities in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, will feature 48 teams and a total of 104 matches.
"It's super difficult conditions to play in that heat, especially us playing in England - there's not anything like that before," James told reporters. He emphasized the immediate impact of the heat, stating, "You feel the heat the minute you step outside the hotel".
James highlighted several factors that could pose a challenge for the England squad. He noted that temperatures nearing 40 degrees Celsius, combined with high humidity and potentially uneven pitch conditions, could create a significant burden for the players. He suggested that adapting to the climate would be crucial and recommended establishing training camps in warm climates to acclimatize in advance. He recalled that during the Club World Cup with Chelsea, there was limited time to adjust to the conditions.
Reflecting on the Club World Cup final against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, James described the heat as "beyond imagination". He emphasized the importance of pacing oneself during matches, stating, "The key was judging when to increase intensity and when to control it. You cannot play every match at that intensity". However, he also acknowledged the need to push through fatigue in crucial moments, adding, "But in important matches like the final, you cannot afford to give the ball to the opponent. Even if you're tired, you have to press forward".
To mitigate the effects of the heat, James suggested considering later kick-off times when temperatures are milder. He also pointed out that some venues, such as Vancouver, Seattle, San Francisco, and Toronto, are expected to offer more favorable conditions. In addition to the weather, James mentioned that the pitch quality during the Club World Cup was not ideal, which added to the challenges. He expressed hope that the pitch conditions would improve by the time the World Cup arrives.
As England prepares for their final World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania, James's warning serves as a reminder of the environmental factors that could influence their performance in 2026. His insights from the Club World Cup provide valuable lessons for the team as they gear up for the challenges that lie ahead in North America.
