2026 World Cup: Thomas Tuchel’s contract is subject to a performance clause, FA chief says.

Speaking at England’s World Cup media center in Kansas City, Bullingham strongly defended the governing body’s decision to extend Tuchel’s contract ahead of the tournament.

The 52-year-old was targeted when he was appointed to win England’s second World Cup, with FA Tuchel facing criticism for rewarding him with a new look without knowing the final outcome of his first assignment.

But Bullingham said: “The reality is he is a top-level manager who is being asked and we know someone is doing a really good job and we can’t afford to have someone sit around and just leave it and see how it goes.

“This is not a fact of life in any profession. We have a man who is doing a very good job, we thought we could sign him for two more years – this domestic competition (Euro 2028) the pressure is greater and we have a manager who has been there.”

Bullingham have made it clear the FA are keen to end the World Cup uncertainty over the manager’s future.

“You never want it hanging over you when you’re in a race,” he said.

Bullingham pointed out that anyone who is under a fixed-term contract should consider their future when that contract is about to expire.

He added: “Looking for 2028 was more. “It’s a very important home tournament for us and we want the best opportunity to do our best and we felt we have a very good coach, so why not extend it?

“They are two different projects. So the 2028 project, we need the best manager in place – we have signed. We are still looking at this World Cup to give ourselves the best possible chance and we felt at the time that we gave it the best chance. We still feel that way.

“If you look back at any competition and work back from the competition, you look at who is the best coach you want, when is he available, when can you sign him. I would argue it’s a big risk the other way around.”