As the upcoming World Cup approaches, one of the major topics of discussion is the challenging climate conditions awaiting teams and fans this summer.

Both players and supporters already got a glimpse of what’s to come during last summer’s FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, where several matches had to be delayed or halted due to thunderstorms.

The intense heat was another significant factor, leading organisers to schedule mandatory cooling breaks for every match this summer. Play will be paused 22 minutes into each half to allow players to recover from the high temperatures.

FourFourTwo’s special 2026 World Cup edition dives deep into everything fans need to know about the tournament. The issue includes features such as England’s American journey, interviews with Jordan Pickford and Morgan Rogers, Scotland’s comeback, a Q&A with Mauricio Pochettino, the biggest upsets in World Cup history, and a massive wallchart alongside a detailed preview special.

Traditionally, it’s believed that such hot conditions benefit South American teams, while European squads tend to struggle under the heat. However, England’s goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, who is preparing for his third World Cup on his third continent, believes that proper planning and preparation can help the Three Lions overcome this stereotype.

“We know it’s going to be hot,” Pickford told FourFourTwo. “That’s exactly why we’re going there early—to take part in a training camp and play two matches under similar conditions.”

England’s two warm-up friendlies will be held in Florida. Thomas Tuchel’s team will face New Zealand in Tampa Bay on June 6, followed by a match against Costa Rica in Orlando four days later. These fixtures will give the squad a week to fine-tune their preparations before their Group L opener against Croatia in Arlington, Texas.

“We plan things very carefully, so I believe we’ll be ready for anything when we start on June 17,” Pickford added confidently.

If England progress to the latter stages of the tournament, the team could end up spending over six weeks in the United States, presenting a unique test of endurance and focus for the players.

When asked about managing such a long stay away from home, Pickford praised the support staff: “Our team behind the scenes does an incredible job making us feel as comfortable as possible while we’re away.”

He continued, “Mentally, you don’t get many chances to represent England in a major tournament, so it’s important to take pride in it, enjoy the experience, and create lasting memories both on and off the pitch. The football will take care of itself—it’s about ensuring the environment off the field is positive because that can make a huge difference.”