Tuchel Dismisses Viagra Claim For Mexico World Cup Match
England manager Thomas Tuchel denied reports the team would use Viagra to combat Mexico City's high altitude during their 2026 World Cup match, though midfielder Jordan Henderson acknowledged players do feel the effects of the 7,220-foot el
England manager Thomas Tuchel has addressed speculation that the national team might use Viagra to enhance blood vessel dilation during their 2026 World Cup round-of-16 match against Mexico. Reports had suggested the medication could help combat the effects of Mexico City's high altitude—7,220 feet (2,240 meters) above sea level—which causes breathing difficulties and reduced physical performance even for elite athletes. Viagra works by expanding blood vessels in the lungs after blocking enzymes that cause constriction, potentially relieving fatigue and dizziness caused by thin air and lower oxygen levels. When asked by British media whether English players would actually take the drug, Tuchel smiled and replied, "I haven't received any data supporting this claim, so it's simply not true." Midfielder Jordan Henderson joked about the possibility, saying, "I wonder if Viagra would help... I'm just joking, just having a laugh." However, he acknowledged that playing at such high altitude does have some effect on performance. "You definitely feel it," Henderson explained. "There's a sensation you experience. I felt it a bit myself, even when we first landed and came to the hotel, or just walking around. I noticed the difference. During training today, I personally felt it in the first 10-15 minutes, but as training went on, I stopped thinking about it much and just focused on the session instead."
