England defender Reece James warns teammates to prepare for “super difficult conditions” at the 2026 World Cup in North America due to extreme heat.

England defender Reece James is sounding the alarm for his teammates, warning them to prepare for the extreme heat expected at the 2026 World Cup in North America.

James, who captained Chelsea at the recent Club World Cup in the US, knows firsthand the challenges posed by the sweltering temperatures.

The 2026 World Cup will feature 104 matches across 16 host cities in Canada, Mexico, and the US, with cities like Dallas, Houston, Miami, and Atlanta experiencing temperatures above 33°C (91°F) in June and July.

James described the conditions as “super difficult” and noted that England players, used to milder weather, will need to adapt.

James experienced the intense heat during Chelsea’s Club World Cup campaign, playing through a heatwave in Philadelphia and thunderstorms in Charlotte. He emphasized that later kick-offs would help alleviate the heat and humidity, allowing players to perform at their best.

Preparing for the Heat

England is taking steps to prepare for the challenging conditions, with plans for a training camp in Florida to acclimate players to the heat. James stressed the importance of adapting to the environment, saying, “You feel the heat the minute you step outside the hotel.”

Pitch Quality Concerns

James also highlighted concerns about pitch quality, noting that the surfaces during the Club World Cup were subpar, making it harder for players to perform. He hopes that the pitches will be improved by the time the World Cup kicks off.

Upcoming Matches

England will face Serbia on Thursday and Albania on Sunday in their last two World Cup qualifiers. The team’s focus will be on securing their spot in the tournament and preparing for the challenges ahead.