Thomas Tuchel won’t sing English national anthem before World Cup opener
German head coach Thomas Tuchel confirmed he will not sing 'God Save The King' ahead of England’s 2026 World Cup group opener against Croatia in Dallas, citing shyness and a desire not to offend. He later criticized FIFA after photographers blocked his view of players during the anthem, calling the moment "ruined." Despite the anthem controversy, England won 4-2. Tuchel, who says he feels at home in London, faces scrutiny over his German nationality leading England at a major tournament.
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Thomas Tuchel Refuses to Sing English National Anthem, Draws Criticism
Thomas Tuchel, the German manager of the England national football team, has sparked controversy by publicly refusing to sing 'God Save The King', the English national anthem. When asked directly, Tuchel answered 'No!' and followed through during England's opening match against Croatia. Critics have pointed to Spanish manager Roberto Martínez, who enthusiastically sings the Portuguese national anthem 'A Portuguesa' as coach of Portugal, as an example Tuchel should follow. Despite the backlash, England won the match with good football. Tuchel later attempted to lighten the mood by throwing the ceremonial first pitch at an MLB game between the Kansas City Royals and the St. Louis Cardinals.
RecordEngland boss Thomas Tuchel demands FIFA rule change after national anthem experience 'ruined'
England manager Thomas Tuchel expressed frustration after photographers blocked his view of his players singing the national anthem before England's 4-2 World Cup win over Croatia. Tuchel, who did not sing 'God Save the King' himself, said he was 'begging FIFA to change the position of the photographers' as he could not see his team during the anthem, calling it a 'very special moment' that was 'ruined.' He reiterated his gratitude for his role and described feeling at home in England. The article also notes Tuchel's earlier comments about not yet feeling ready to sing the anthem but learning the words.
Mirror - FootballTuchel will not sing England's national anthem before World Cup debut
England manager Thomas Tuchel, a German national, stated in a pre-match press conference ahead of England's World Cup debut against Croatia that he will not sing 'God Save the King'. Tuchel cited shyness and a desire not to offend anyone or draw attention away from the team. He joked that the lyrics 'aren't that hard' and said he might sing it in the final on July 19. The decision echoes past controversy when interim manager Lee Carsley also declined to sing the anthem in 2024, sparking calls for his resignation. Tuchel's tenure has been closely scrutinized due to the historic tensions between England and Germany.
Fútbol en AS.comThomas Tuchel Says He Will Not Sing England's National Anthem Ahead of 2026 World Cup Opener
Hours before England's opening match of the 2026 World Cup against Croatia, German head coach Thomas Tuchel revealed in a press conference that he will not sing the English national anthem. The 52-year-old manager stated, 'Not yet, I think we're not there yet. Maybe at the very end, I'm still a bit shy, I don't want to offend anyone and I don't want attention on that right now.' Despite this, Tuchel acknowledged his strong connection to England, saying he feels at home when he lands in London and considers it 'going home.' The article, published by Foot Mercato on June 17, 2026, highlights the ongoing adjustment of a German coach leading the English national team at a major tournament.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertThomas Tuchel feels at home in England but won't sing national anthem before World Cup opener
Thomas Tuchel, the German head coach of the England national football team, says England feels like home but confirms he will not sing the national anthem 'God Save The King' ahead of his first major tournament. Tuchel, preparing to lead England against Croatia in their World Cup group opener in Dallas, stated he is 'not there yet' and does not want to offend people or draw focus. He expressed deep gratitude for the role, noting he feels at home in London and has built a strong affinity with the country since his Chelsea days. England qualified with a perfect record but have struggled in recent friendlies against top-20 teams, losing to Senegal and Uruguay and drawing with Japan. Tuchel insists his team will be ready for the tournament, emphasizing not overdoing preparation and letting tension build naturally.
Mirror - Football