Kane says hot weather won't be a problem for England at 2026 World Cup

Harry Kane insists England are not hampered by the weather at the 2026 World Cup (Instagram/@england).

JAKARTA - Harry Kane said that England's preparations for the 2026 World Cup, which is predicted to run in high temperature conditions, will not be a problem factor.

Kane entered the tournament in excellent form. In the friendly match against New Zealand, he scored the only goal with a beautiful header on Sunday, June 7, 2026 WIB - the 67th goal of the season for the club and country.

Although England coach Thomas Tuchel was unhappy with some of the free-flowing play shown in the first half against New Zealand, coming through unscathed from a patched-up pitch was a boost.

Kane admitted the pitch was a bit sticky as they sweated in 33-degree Celsius temperatures, but the captain felt talk of the conditions had been exaggerated.

"To be honest, I don't think the heat is too bad. Obviously, we're used to it in training. After the first few days, I feel most of the players are used to it."

"Actually it didn't feel bad on the pitch, so I think there are points of conversation that maybe too much is talked about, just to be honest."

"We are all professional athletes. We have all made the right preparations to prepare for this tournament, both us and the staff."

"We still have a few days to go until the first game, training in this environment, so I think when the tournament arrives, it won't be a factor," said the Bayern Munich striker.

Kane said he felt in the best form of his life. The England captain is counting down the days to the 2026 World Cup.

"Look, playing for England is my favorite thing. I wear this uniform with great pride. I wear the captain's armband with great pride, trying to set a good example for my teammates, staff, but also the supporters and the country."

"Being able to lead another group of players to another World Cup is obviously a special feeling. We go into this tournament with high hopes."

"So, for me, I'm really excited to start it all. I feel as good as I've ever felt and I can't wait to get started," Kane said.

England begin their 2026 World Cup campaign against 2018 semi-final opponents Croatia in Dallas on June 17, 2026 and begin preparations for the tournament after arriving in Florida on Monday, June 8, 2026.

Head coach Thomas Tuchel fielded a different team in each half of the friendly against New Zealand. It was part of preparations for the final warm-up match against Costa Rica in Orlando on Thursday, June 11, 2026.

"I think it's always important as a striker. You know what I'm like. I want to score as many goals as possible."

"Look, we're here for preparation, we're here to improve fitness, deal with the hot weather, deal with this type of field."

"So, in the end, this is another day that has passed and we are looking forward to another friendly in the next few days," Kane said.