News Focus
- Thomas Tuchel allows transfers during the tournament but bans medical activity two days before any match
- Intense heat and a packed schedule across North America leave players with almost no free time
- Top stars including Marcus Rashford and John Stones have just two specific days to complete big-money moves
- Buying clubs face major practical problems completing deals before England exit the competition
Thomas Tuchel admits he worries about transfer gossip distracting his squad during the 2026 World Cup. However, the England boss says he cannot stop players from talking to agents on their phones. Because of this, he has decided to take a practical approach to squad members who wish to change clubs mid-tournament.
Unlike former manager Gareth Southgate, who blocked all transfer activity during major competitions, Tuchel permits medical checks and contract talks. But he has created strict time limits that make completing a deal extremely difficult.
The German coach has banned players from leaving the camp for medical appointments between “Matchday Minus Two” and the final whistle. This means no transfer business can happen during the 48 hours before any World Cup game. He has also forbidden medical tests on the day after a match. The extreme heat in North America makes fixtures physically exhausting. Players who feature for the full 90 minutes need 24 hours to recover. They cannot undergo strenuous physical examinations the next morning.
This creates a logistical headache for several key England internationals. Marcus Rashford, John Stones, Elliot Anderson and Morgan Rogers all face uncertain futures. Potential buyers like Manchester United or Manchester City would need to pay over £100 million for some of these players. Such large fees require thorough medical checks, including X-rays and fitness tests, before clubs release the funds.
Tuchel relies heavily on these stars during matches. He will not rest them against weaker opponents simply to keep them fresh for medical appointments. The team also faces tiring travel between group games in Kansas City, Dallas, Boston and New Jersey.
Analysis of the fixture list reveals only two practical windows for transfers. The first is June 12, which is the final day before the squad flies from their Florida training base to Kansas City. The second window falls on June 19 or 20, situated between the opening match against Croatia on June 17 and the clash with Ghana on June 23.
After the Croatia game, players must rest on June 18. They then have just 48 hours free before the “Matchday Minus Two” rule begins for the Ghana fixture. No time exists between the Ghana and Panama matches. The knockout stages offer similar problems, with only three or four days separating each round.
Therefore, any club wishing to sign an England player must complete all negotiations, medicals and paperwork within these two narrow windows. Otherwise, they must wait until England leave the tournament. While Tuchel’s stance is more flexible than Southgate’s, it still presents a logistical nightmare for the Premier League giants chasing England’s biggest talents.