PEP GUARDIOLA: ENGLAND CAN WIN 2026 WORLD CUP, CITING TUCHEL'S "BELIEF MOMENT"
Man City coach Pep Guardiola strongly believes England has the quality and tactical leadership under Thomas Tuchel to win the 2026 World Cup, citing a coming 'belief moment.'
Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola thinks England has a real opportunity to win the next World Cup in North America.
These comments from Guardiola come as excitement is growing for the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup and as several of City’s English players are getting better and better.
Guys like Phil Foden, Rico Lewis, John Stones, James Trafford, and Nico O’Reilly could all be in Thomas Tuchel’s plans next summer. That would mean a strong Manchester City influence on the national team, which is already building on solid tournament showings under Gareth Southgate and entering a fresh tactical phase with Thomas Tuchel.
Guardiola’s support comes at a time when Manchester City is thinking ahead, with talk about squad planning being a big topic recently. The club is watching how their players might be used at the World Cup. England’s games in a tough group—like the big match against Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic’s Croatia—make things even more interesting for City.
Beyond just the talent on the England squad, Guardiola’s words point out the mental block that past teams couldn’t seem to get past. Guardiola, who’s been around English soccer for almost ten years, feels the nation is getting close to that crucial “belief moment” that usually comes before a major tournament win.
At a press conference, Pep Guardiola was asked what he thinks about Thomas Tuchel and England's chances. He had already said he supported the team beforehand.
“They have a good chance. Just look at the manager and the quality of the players; even the ones who might not get picked are top quality,” Guardiola said.
“Once they believe they can win, they will. I think Thomas [Tuchel] will convince them of that. They’re great in every area,” he added.
“Gareth [Southgate] got them to the finals, semi-finals, finals, semi-finals, and finals—they’re so close. It reminds me of Spain; they were always there. Then, when they finally broke through and won, they kept winning.”
Pep Guardiola’s praise will spark debate about how Manchester City’s English players fit into the bigger picture. Everyone expects Phil Foden to be a key creative player for Tuchel, and John Stones’ fitness will be watched closely. Young players like Nico O’Reilly could get into the mix if they keep playing well for their clubs.
England doing well could also affect City’s transfer plans in the summer and winter. A good run would likely boost the value and profile of their important players. Also, players who are on the edge of Tuchel’s squad might see the months before the World Cup as a chance to get more playing time with their clubs.
In the end, Pep Guardiola’s confidence is more than just wishful thinking. It's also a sign that England now has the tactics, leadership, and depth to win the World Cup for the first time since 1966.
BERNARDO SILVA TRANSFER SAGA TAKES A TURN AS GUARDIOLA REVEALS PRIVATE FRUSTRATIONS
Pep Guardiola issues a stark warning to Man City before Chelsea. Get the latest on Bernardo Silva's future and injuries.
Pep Guardiola isn’t downplaying the importance of Sunday’s match at Stamford Bridge. City’s chasing Arsenal, nine points back with a game in hand. And since Arsenal still has to come to the Etihad, that clash could be the real turning point for the title.
Talking to reporters before the game, Guardiola didn’t sugarcoat how tough things are. “We need a lot of points if we want to keep our title hopes alive. I’ve picked up lots of yellow cards myself, which shows how intense we’re playing right now,” he said.
He admitted City hasn’t hit the standards he expects. “We really need these points. We’ve dropped plenty this season, some in games we should have won, and now there’s just no margin to slip up again.”
As for injuries, things aren’t ideal. Ruben Dias is getting better, but won’t make it for Chelsea. John Stones is only joining in on part of the training, and Gvardiol’s still nowhere near 100%.
On the subject of Bernardo Silva’s future, Guardiola just shrugged. “I’m annoyed with him, honestly. I told him a month ago, ‘Let me be the first to know what you’re doing,’ and here we are, still nothing. I even joked about it, but he kept quiet, so I really don’t know what’s happening.”
He went on, “Bernardo’s a top talent, anyway you measure it. I’ve had him for nine years, and he barely ever misses games, always fit. He reads the game perfectly, pitches in everywhere, always gives us composure.”
The City boss also said, “Handing him the captain’s armband this season was the best call I made. He’s not the tallest guy or the flashiest goal-scorer. But he’s brave, brings his personality every time, lifts everyone, and I would love nothing more than to see him finish his career here.”
Guardiola summed up leadership simply: “Just put the team before yourself. People talk about putting the nation first, but you don’t always see it. With Bernardo, City always comes first.”
One more thing, he’s every coach’s dream because he can play pretty much anywhere, except in goal, and he just gets tactics. Guardiola remembered, “He played as a winger in the year we did the treble, that was massive for us.”
“He’s not going to bang in a bunch of goals or constantly run in behind. What he does do is control the tempo and make every play matter. Players change over time, but his tactical instinct is something you rarely see.”
FABRIZIO ROMANO REVEALS MAN CITY’S SECRET PURSUIT OF HERTHA STAR KENNET EICHHORN
Man City joins the race for Kennet Eichhorn. Discover why Rodri could leave for Real Madrid in a £50m summer deal.
Man City are looking at a Bundesliga wonderkid as they head into summer.
They’re known for spotting young talent across Europe and turning them into Premier League stars. This summer, that skill becomes even more important, as they might need to fill the shoes of one of their very best players.
Rodri’s contract is up in June 2027, and if City don’t work out a new deal, he could walk away for nothing after next season. City won’t want to lose him on a free, so selling him this summer looks like a real option.
Fabrizio Romano says Man City are watching Hertha Berlin’s Kennet Eichhorn, a young midfielder who’s catching a lot of attention. On X, Romano posted: “Manchester City join the race with Bundesliga and Premier League clubs for German gem Kennet Eichhorn. Sixteen-year-old talent is seen as an interesting profile with Man City, one more PL club and Bundesliga giants on it. One to watch next month.”
Eichhorn’s already made a name for himself with Hertha Berlin’s first team. Fifteen appearances this season, a goal in the domestic cup, he looks every bit a future star. Top German sides like Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich, and Eintracht Frankfurt are interested too, showing just how good this kid is.
City could realistically sell Rodri for about £50 million. Here’s how one source put it: “Honestly, the best City can hope for is a one-year extension. But a lot depends on whether Real Madrid want to pay, say, £50m, that’s probably the number City would listen to. It’s not really a surprise he’s thinking about Spain again after the injury, the intensity of the Premier League, and the fact he’s pretty much won it all here. He’ll be 30 this summer, even though sometimes it’s hard to believe. Now’s just a natural time for him to think about his next move.”
