FIFA make drastic World Cup change after England complaint

News

Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Accredited sports journalist covering football since 2020

FIFA have altered their policy regarding photographers during the national anthems at the 2026 World Cup after receiving a major complaint from England boss Thomas Tuchel.

The 52-year-old took aim at the positioning of photographers after his side’s 4-2 win over Croatia on Wednesday night, with The Three Lions’ head coach unable to see his players when the England national anthem was played.

Tuchel’s view was obstructed by a wall of photographers eager to take his picture and he slammed the incident during his post-match press conference.

“I have to tell you something. I'm begging Fifa to change the position of the photographers in the national anthem, because I could not see my team,” the England boss said to reporters after his side’s impressive victory.

"It was a very special moment, and I was standing in front of a wall of 50 photographers and I could not see one single player. It ruined a little bit my experience.”

FIFA change photographer protocol

After receiving negative feedback from Tuchel and others, FIFA have changed its protocol and photographers will now be grouped in a smaller huddle, while coaches will be given the option to stand to the side of any cameramen, rather than remain in their dugout, in order to have an unobstructed view of their squad.

The first game to feature FIFA’s new system for the national anthems was Czech Republic’s 1-1 draw versus South Africa, which was the first match of the group stage second round fixtures.

It remains to be seen whether these changes will appease Tuchel, who will take charge of his second World Cup match when England face Ghana on Tuesday. BBC Sport have reported that The Football Association plan to hold further discussions with FIFA over the issue as they seek a solution that suits all parties.

The layout of the AT&T Stadium in Texas was a key reason why Tuchel’s view was so heavily impacted, with the pitch raised by 1.2m ahead of the tournament in order to meet FIFA requirements. It’s understood that this change further limited the space surrounding the dugout for photographers.