Weather Woes at the FIFA Club World Cup

The FIFA Club World Cup is currently grappling with severe weather conditions that are causing significant disruptions to the tournament. From thunderstorms to heatwaves, the event is facing unprecedented challenges that are impacting both players and fans.

Thunderstorms Cause Delays

In Orlando, the second half of Benfica's Group C match against Auckland City was delayed by over two hours due to heavy rain and storms. Similarly, the kick-off for Mamelodi Sundowns versus Ulsan HD was postponed for more than an hour. Long pauses were also observed in the second halves of matches between Palmeiras and Al-Ahly in New Jersey (40 minutes) and Salzburg versus Pachuca in Cincinnati (90 minutes).

Heatwaves Pose Serious Risks

Campaign group Fossil Free Football has highlighted that 10 matches scheduled for the next week are at risk of extreme heat, with temperatures potentially reaching 41°C. This is particularly concerning for fixtures in Charlotte, where a heat index of 38°C (Real Madrid v Pachuca) and 41°C (Benfica v Bayern) is forecasted. The game between Auckland City and Boca Juniors in Nashville is also expected to take place in 41°C heat at a venue with limited cover.

Player Safety Concerns

Players are facing significant health risks due to the extreme weather conditions. After Atletico Madrid's 4-0 defeat by Paris St-Germain in 32°C heat in Pasadena, Marcos Llorente described the conditions as "terribly hot," adding that his toes and nails were hurting. Fans also reported having to leave the game due to the heat, citing long queues and restrictions on water.

FIFA's Response

FIFA has stated that the health of everyone involved in football is their top priority. The governing body has been in regular contact with participating clubs to address heat management and acclimatization. Cooling breaks will be implemented in the 30th and 75th minutes where necessary, and fans are allowed to bring empty clear bottles of up to one litre into stadiums.

Impact on Scheduling

From a scheduling perspective, the delays caused by the weather are a major concern. Four of the first 21 games faced waits ranging from 40 minutes to two-and-a-half hours due to thunderstorms and heavy rain. Broadcasters are also worried about the potential for overlapping matches at the 2026 World Cup.

Team Reactions

Benfica coach Bruno Lage expressed his gratitude to the fans who supported the team for five hours during the delayed match against Auckland City. He acknowledged the difficulty of playing in such high temperatures, stating, "We played as well as we could. The temperature made it very difficult."

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca also commented on the challenging conditions, saying, "It's not easy because of the temperature. We're going to try to rotate players."

Looking Ahead

As the tournament progresses, the focus will remain on managing the impact of extreme weather conditions to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants. The challenges faced this year underscore the need for robust planning and contingency measures, especially with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon.