2026 World Cup: England to use palm cooling devices against heat

The England team have confirmed they will use palm cooling devices during their preparations in the United States ahead of the 2026 World Cup, a response to the hot and humid conditions expected during the competition.

Studies indicate that at least a third of World Cup matches will be played in temperatures above 26°C. On Tuesday, during the first training session in West Palm Beach (Florida), the thermometer rose to 32°C, illustrating the importance of adapting physical preparation.

These devices, increasingly popular among professionals – Manchester United being a known user – cool the palms and, according to the research cited, can significantly lower core body temperature. This gain can prove decisive for recovery during the match and, ultimately, for performance.

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England plans to use these devices in training, but also during water breaks planned during World Cup matches.

Asked about the importance of acclimatization, Jordan Henderson explained that this first week served to “build our capacity in these conditions”, adding that “the preparation matches will be good for that”. The midfielder praised the “team behind the team” and the “high-level research” carried out into “recovery and cooling”. “Hopefully this can give us a little advantage once the tournament starts,” he added.

On a sporting level, England will play two friendly matches during this preparation window: against New Zealand on Saturday June 6 (9:00 p.m. BST) then against Costa Rica on Wednesday June 10 (9:00 p.m.). According to the source article, “Thomas Tuchel’s team” will then begin their global campaign against Croatia on Wednesday June 17 (9:00 p.m.), before facing Ghana on June 23 (9:00 p.m.) and Panama on June 27 (10:00 p.m.).