Online Reporter
WEATHER concerns continue to shape the FIFA Club World Cup after a fourth game was delayed because of thunderstorms — while a heatwave is expected next week.
The second half of Benfica’s Group C game against Auckland City kicked off over two hours late because of heavy rain and storms in Orlando. The kick-off for Mamelodi Sundowns against Ulsan HD in the same city had been delayed for over an hour.
And there were long pauses in the second halves of Palmeiras v Al-Ahly in New Jersey (40 minutes) and Salzburg v Pachuca in Cincinnati (90 minutes).
Campaign group Fossil Free Football say 10 matches are due to be played in the next week, with either a major or extreme heat risk, as temperatures could reach 41 degrees Celsius.
This comes just a year out from the World Cup, which is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
“Many of the players expecting to compete in 2026 are already getting a taste of what’s to come,” said Chris Tyler, an environmental physiologist from the University of Roehampton and an authority on heat stress in elite sports. “Such conditions will be commonplace with many of the fixtures scheduled for before 5pm to maximise TV audiences.
“Extreme heat could become the tournament’s most formidable opponent.”
A statement from the world-governing body read: “FIFA will continue to monitor the weather conditions in coordination with the venue teams to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.”
Fossil Free Football say: “Particular concern is for the fixtures in the no-shade stadium in Charlotte, where a heat index of 38 degrees Celsius (Real Madrid v Pachuca) and 41 degrees Celsius (Benfica v Bayern) is forecast for the next two matches.
“This underlines the dangers facing players and fans at this tournament and in 2026. FIFA have done very little to allay safety concerns.”
The game between New Zealand part-timers Auckland City and Boca Juniors is also due to take place in 41 degrees Celsius in Nashville at a ground with limited cover.
Matches in Philadelphia, New York, Cincinnati and Washington DC will also be played in the anticipated heatwave.
After Atletico’s 4-0 defeat by Paris St-Germain in 32 degrees Celsius in Pasadena, Marcos Llorente said it was “terribly hot” and added “my toes were sore, my nails were hurting . . . it’s incredible”.
Fans spoke of having to leave that game because of the heat — and complained about long queues and restrictions of water when arriving at the stadium.
A FIFA statement read: “FIFA’s top priority is the health of everyone involved in football, and FIFA’s medical experts have been in regular contact with the clubs participating to address heat management and acclimatisation.” The governing body added there will continue to be cooling breaks in the 30th and 75th minute where needed — and that fans are allowed to bring empty clear bottles of up to one litre into stadiums.
Chelsea, who are one of two English teams competing along with Manchester City, beat Los Angeles FC in their opener but then lost 3-1 to Flamengo on Friday.
“It’s not easy because of the temperature,” said boss Enzo Maresca. “We’re going to try to rotate players.”
As well as the danger posed by the heat to players, staff and supporters, from a scheduling point of view, there will be concerns about the delays to games.— BBC Sport
Online Reporter