Benjamin Weber backs England’s 2026 World Cup bid, citing Tuchel’s adaptability

Benjamin Weber, the 40‑year‑old former assistant of Thomas Tuchel and now sporting director of Augsburg, says England have the quality to lift the 2026 FIFA World Cup, citing both the squad’s talent and Tuchel’s tactical acumen. He also notes the side faces several dangerous opponents.

Weber spent 13 years alongside Tuchel, serving at Mainz, Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint‑Germain and Chelsea. At Chelsea, he was part of the staff that secured the UEFA Champions League title in 2022 before departing.

“I believe not only because of the players but also because of Thomas, that they can win the World Cup,” Weber said. He added that England are among the favourites despite having several opponents capable of hurting them.

“To summarise Thomas in one word, it is adaptation, because he’s a genius in the sense of being able to adapt in every moment in a game,” Weber explained. He noted that Tuchel evaluates the squad he inherits, sets realistic goals, and consistently delivers success over a season.

England’s first knockout match is against Mexico on 6 June at 01:00 GMT in the round of 32. A win would set up a quarter‑final clash with either Brazil or Norway.

After leaving Tuchel’s staff, Weber took the sporting director role at Augsburg, bringing his experience to the German club. At 40, his career spans more than a decade of top‑level coaching and management across Germany, France and England. The interview was conducted by Daniel Pinder.