Overview
- James said winning in North America will be "super difficult" after experiencing oppressive conditions during Chelsea's summer Club World Cup.
- He described substandard pitches and high humidity at US venues and called for evening start times to ease player strain.
- England assistant Anthony Barry said the team will build a "heat-proof" game plan alongside the planned warm‑weather camp.
- Research led by Queen's University Belfast found 14 of 16 2026 World Cup stadiums could reach potentially dangerous temperatures during June and July.
- The BBC reports FIFA is likely to push major European nations' matches to post‑midnight UK times to reduce heat exposure, while James said he has not been consulted on kick-off timings.