Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer has revealed that one of England’s most dramatic matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup was one he barely managed to watch after unexpectedly falling asleep during the late night broadcast.
The England international admitted that he missed a large portion of the Three Lions’ unforgettable Round of 16 victory over Mexico because the match kicked off in the early hours of the morning due to a weather related delay. Palmer explained that although he wanted to follow his national team throughout the tournament, the unusual kickoff times made it difficult to stay awake.
Speaking during Chelsea’s preseason tour in Australia, the 24 year old shared the light hearted story with reporters, saying he drifted off during the game before waking up later. His comments drew laughter from those in attendance and highlighted the challenges players sometimes face when following major tournaments from different time zones.
England’s meeting with Mexico became one of the standout fixtures of the tournament. Played at the iconic Azteca Stadium, the match delivered high drama as the Three Lions battled to a memorable 3 2 victory despite being reduced to ten men. The result secured England’s place in the quarterfinals and was widely regarded as one of the team’s finest World Cup performances in recent years.
For Palmer, however, the tournament carried mixed emotions.
The talented playmaker was one of the most surprising omissions from England manager Thomas Tuchel’s final 26 man World Cup squad. His absence generated widespread debate among football fans and pundits, particularly after an impressive campaign with Chelsea in which he remained one of the club’s most creative attacking players whenever fit.
Many observers believed Palmer had done enough to earn a place on the plane, but Tuchel ultimately opted for different attacking options. The decision left Palmer watching the competition from afar rather than representing his country on football’s biggest stage.
Despite the disappointment, Palmer insisted he supported England throughout the tournament and followed as many matches as possible. He acknowledged that the time difference between Australia and North America, where the World Cup was staged, made viewing every game particularly demanding.
Rather than dwelling on his omission, Palmer has chosen to use the setback as motivation.
The Chelsea star admitted that being overlooked for the World Cup has strengthened his determination to prove himself during the upcoming season. He believes every footballer experiences moments of disappointment, but the best response is to improve performances on the pitch and give selectors no reason to overlook them in future competitions.
Palmer’s comments reflected a player eager to turn frustration into fuel. With England expected to begin preparations for future international tournaments in the coming months, strong performances at club level could quickly place him back in contention for national team selection.
There was at least one positive outcome from missing the tournament.
After an injury disrupted 2025 and 2026 campaign that limited his rhythm and consistency, Palmer benefited from an extended summer break. The additional recovery period allowed him to regain full fitness before Chelsea’s preseason preparations, giving him a stronger physical foundation ahead of the new campaign.
Chelsea are currently preparing for another demanding season under head coach Xabi Alonso, who took charge following significant changes at Stamford Bridge. The former Spain international is expected to build his side around an energetic, possession based style of football, and Palmer is widely regarded as one of the players capable of thriving in that system.
Known for his excellent vision, close control and ability to unlock stubborn defences, Palmer has become one of Chelsea’s most influential creative players since joining the club. His versatility allows him to operate as an attacking midfielder, winger or second striker, making him an important option in Alonso’s tactical plans.
The Blues continue their preseason schedule with a high profile friendly against Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur, a fixture expected to provide another opportunity for Palmer to build match fitness before the competitive season begins.
Supporters will also be eager to see whether the disappointment of missing the World Cup inspires an even stronger version of the England international.
If Palmer can maintain his fitness and reproduce the form that made him one of Chelsea’s standout performers, he is likely to place himself firmly back on the radar of the England coaching staff.
With another Premier League campaign on the horizon and international opportunities still ahead, the talented midfielder appears determined to ensure his World Cup disappointment becomes nothing more than a temporary setback in what continues to be one of English football’s brightest careers.
