England coach announces team will only sing national anthem at the 2026 World Cup under one condition

England manager Thomas Tuchel has stated that he will not perform "God Save the King" in the team's first game of the 2026 World Cup. But he suggested he might reconsidering this stance if England progresses further in the competition.

Thomas Tuchel will sing England's national anthem at the 2026 World Cup only if...

England boss Thomas Tuchel confirmed he will not sing "God Save the King" in the World Cup 2026 opener against Croatia, but left the possibility open of joining in at a special moment if the "Three Lions" go far in the tournament.

Since being appointed to lead England, the German coach has consistently chosen not to sing the national anthem before matches. Interim manager Lee Carsley similarly decided not to during his tenure. Carsley earned 39 caps for the Republic of Ireland despite being born in Birmingham.

During the pre-match press conference ahead of the Croatia game, Tuchel was asked if he had changed his stance for this World Cup. The 52-year-old replied: "Not yet. I don't think we are at that point yet. Maybe in the latter stages of the tournament."

The former Chelsea boss explained that he still feels a bit hesitant about doing so, as he doesn't want to draw unnecessary attention or make others uncomfortable. "I don't want to offend anyone and I don't want the focus to be on this," Tuchel shared. When asked if he had learned the lyrics to the English anthem, he humorously replied: "It's not too difficult."

Although he hasn't sung the anthem, Tuchel affirmed he has a special affection for England. He spent over a year and a half managing Chelsea and stated he has always felt at home since his first days in the country.

"From the very first weeks at Chelsea, I had a very special feeling. I love living in this country, being part of the Premier League. Every day is a gift," Tuchel said. He emphasized: "I feel like I am coming home every time I land in London. Being the head coach of England is a huge honor, and no one desires success more than I do."

The 2026 World Cup also marks the first time Tuchel leads a national team at a major tournament. He becomes the third foreign coach in history to take England to the World Cup, after Sven-Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello. In the past, Eriksson led England to the quarter-finals in 2002 and 2006, while Capello was less successful, with the team exiting in the round of 16 in 2010 following a defeat to Germany.

With Tuchel at the helm, English fans are hoping he will write a new chapter for the "Three Lions" – and if that journey ends with a World Cup final, it might be the moment they see him singing "God Save the King".

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