Thomas Tuchel, head coach of England’s national football team, publicly expressed frustration after being unable to see his players sing "God Save the King" during the national anthem ahead of their match against Croatia. The incident occurred as a group of photographers positioned along the touchline blocked his view.

Under current tournament regulations, photographers are required to remain behind the LED advertising boards but are permitted to stand along the touchline during the anthems. Tuchel, who was standing in the technical area near the dugout, found his sightline obscured by a dense cluster of photographers gathered half a meter in front of him.

“I’m begging FIFA to change the position of the photographers in the National Anthem,” Tuchel said following England’s 4-2 victory over Croatia. “I could not see my team during the national anthem and I was waiting for this moment. It ruined a little bit of my experience.” During the anthem, Tuchel was seen gesturing toward the photographers in an attempt to gain a clearer view.

In response to Tuchel’s concerns, FIFA has agreed to revise its policy, confirming that photographers will be relocated closer to the halfway line during national anthems. This adjustment is intended to allow coaches positioned near the dugouts an unobstructed view of their players during this ceremonial moment. Coaches will also be permitted to stand to the left or right of the photographers to ensure visibility.

Tuchel, meanwhile, indicated he would not be joining in the anthem singing at this stage of the tournament, commenting, “Not yet. We are not there yet. At the very end [of the tournament], maybe.”

The change signals a willingness by the tournament organizers to accommodate coaching staff’s desires to share in the players’ pre-match traditions without interference, reflecting ongoing attention to the matchday experience.