England captain, Harry Kane, has welcomed the intense heatwave currently gripping the United States during the Club World Cup, viewing it as the perfect tune-up for next summer’s 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 31-year-old striker, who opened his goal account in the tournament as Bayern Munich edged past a determined Boca Juniors side to book a knockout spot with a game to spare, says the extreme conditions will help build the resilience needed for next year’s global showpiece.
With forecasts predicting temperatures soaring above 40°C across various U.S. cities, Kane remains unfazed.
He believes such challenging conditions will offer valuable lessons for players hoping to shine at the World Cup.
“It’s part and parcel of football, you have to be able to adapt,” Kane noted.
“This is great experience for me and some of the other England guys who are going to be playing next year in the World Cup.”
Reflecting on the physical toll of high-intensity matches in extreme heat, the Bayern star spoke of the emotional satisfaction that comes with enduring the grind.
“It’s something special about these World Cup games, and next year will be the same. When you come off that pitch and you’re sweating and you’re dripping and you’re cramping and you’ve given everything on the pitch,” he said.
“There’s a special kind of feeling inside, especially when you win. That’s what we had today.”
Kane and his teammates will now look to carry the momentum into the next phase of the competition, with one eye firmly fixed on World Cup success in 2026.
