The original arrangement reportedly left a large group of photographers directly in front of the England dugout, blocking Tuchel’s view as his players sang the national anthem.
The issue was made worse by the tight layout of the Dallas venue, where limited space between the pitch and the benches restricted movement. Tuchel raised the matter after the match, asking to reconsider the guidelines.
Under the reported revision, team staff can stand to either side of the photographers before kick-off. Each team must confirm its preferred position during the routine pre-match operational meeting.
The photographers will also reportedly be placed in a tighter group closer to the halfway line. That should reduce the risk of obstructing the benches while allowing media coverage of one of football’s most recognisable rituals.
The change does not remove photographers from the anthem ceremony. Instead, it gives national-team staff greater flexibility and acknowledges that stadium layouts can make a standardised system difficult to apply.
The revised procedure was introduced for the group match between Czechia and South Africa, and the update is expected to apply throughout the remainder of the tournament.
Anthems are more than a formality for players and staff. They frame the occasion, reinforce national identity and provide coaches with a final visual connection to their teams before the match begins.
Tuchel’s complaint highlighted how an operational decision could unintentionally disrupt that moment. ’s reported response is modest, but it reflects a willingness to adjust tournament procedures when the staging of the event interferes with its sporting focus.
The next test will come at future fixtures, when teams choose their preferred positions and the revised photographer layout is put into practice.