England manager Thomas Tuchel says he asked FIFA to change the way photographers are positioned during national anthems after he complained that a group of photographers blocked his view of the England squad as they sang “God Save The King.” Multiple outlets report the issue occurred before England’s 4-2 victory over Croatia at the World Cup in Dallas, with Tuchel describing a “scrum” of photographers directly in front of him and preventing him from seeing his players during the pre-match ceremony. Tuchel’s comments are framed as a request for FIFA to intervene and revise protocol so managers and coaches can observe the anthem performance. Following his complaint, FIFA is reported to have implemented or adjusted the protocol for national anthems, effectively granting Tuchel his request “off the pitch.” The coverage also notes that Tuchel’s view was obstructed ahead of the match and that the matter became a talking point online. Sources consistently link the photographer positioning issue, Tuchel’s request to FIFA for repositioning, and England’s on-field result against Croatia.
Tuchel urges FIFA to move photographers after blocked view during England anthem before Croatia win
England manager Thomas Tuchel says he asked FIFA to change the way photographers are positioned during national anthems after he complained that a group of photographers blocked his view of the Englan...
- Thomas Tuchel says photographers blocked his view of England players during the national anthem.
- The issue occurs before England’s 4-2 win over Croatia in Dallas at the 2026 World Cup.
- Tuchel calls for FIFA to intervene and adjust the photographers’ positioning during anthem ceremonies.
- Tuchel describes the obstruction as a “scrum” or cluster of photographers directly in front of him.
- FIFA is reported to change or adjust the national anthem protocol following the complaint.
Thomas Tuchel was unhappy with the scrum of photographers blocking his view during England’s national anthem (Getty) FIFA has agreed to change where photographers are positioned during national anthems in response to Thomas Tuchel’s complaint this week. Tuchel was unhappy with the scrum of photographers stood just a few metres away from England’s bench when God Save the King was played before the 4-2 victory over Croatia on Wednesday. In a video that captured Tuchel’s stand-off with photographers, the German was heard saying: ‘Very close guys, you’re very close. You’re very close I cannot see anything.’ Speaking after England’s victory, Tuchel then called on FIFA to make a change to benefit coaching staff at the World Cup. Don't miss a World Cup moment Lionel Messi’s hat-trick. Cape Verde’s heroics. Those Scottish fans. It’s been a memorable World Cup so far – our daily newsletter helps you make the most of it. Sign up. ‘I have to tell you something, I am begging FIFA to change the position of the photographers in the national anthem because I could not see my team in the national anthem,’ Tuchel said. Thomas Tuchel called on FIFA to make a change (PA) ‘I was waiting for this moment. It was a very, very special moment today and I was standing in front of a wall of 50 photographers, half a metre away, and I could not see one single player and it ruined a little bit my experience today. ‘It is very emotional. When I was young and when I started coaching, this was too big to dream of to have this kind of career.’ Photographers were positioned to the side during the anthems for Czech Republic and South Africa on Thursday (Shutterstock) FIFA has now agreed to move photographers in order to allow coaching staff to have a better view of the pitch and the players during the national anthems. World Cup coaching staff will also be allowed to move from in front of the dugouts for an unobstructed view. For the Czech Republic’s game against South Africa in Group A on Thursday, photographers were positioned on the corner of the dugouts, allowing the coaching staff to see the pitch. For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source
2 months agoEngland head coach Thomas Tuchel's complaint about photographers blocking his view during the national anthem prompted an immediate FIFA protocol change at the ongoing World Cup.
2 months agoThe England boss complained about being blocked by photographers ahead of last night's 4-2 victory over Croatia, which prevented him from being able to watch his players sing the national anthem.
2 months agoThe England boss complained about being blocked by photographers ahead of last night's 4-2 victory over Croatia, which prevented him from being able to watch his players sing the national anthem.
2 months agoTuchel was unhappy with where photographers were placed for the national anthems on Wednesday
2 months agoThomas Tuchel was angry with the position of multiple photographers as England's players sang the national anthem before their 4-2 win against Croatia in Dallas on Wednesday
2 months ago
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