England manager Tuchel denies Viagra use for altitude

England manager Thomas Tuchel has denied reports that his players will use Viagra to cope with high-altitude conditions ahead of their FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match against Mexico in Mexico City. The match is scheduled for July 6 at the Estadio Azteca, which sits approximately 2,240 meters (7,350 feet) above sea level.

The unusual story emerged from British media reports suggesting the team could legally consider using sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra, as part of its altitude preparation. The World Anti-Doping Agency does not list the drug on its 2026 prohibited substances list, meaning its use would not violate anti-doping rules. Reports indicated the medication could theoretically help by dilating blood vessels and improving blood flow, potentially aiding oxygen circulation in thin air.

However, Tuchel directly refuted the claims at a pre-match press conference. He stated it was not true that the team would use Viagra to cope with the altitude. Team officials have treated the option as a theoretical contingency rather than an active plan.

The primary challenge for England remains the significant physiological impact of playing at high altitude, which can cause...