A blistering heatwave sweeping across large regions of the United States is putting immense pressure on players and organizers at the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup. This intense weather situation could potentially preview challenges that may arise during the 2026 World Cup, which is set to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Atlético’s Marcos Llorente expressed his struggle with the harsh conditions following a game against Paris Saint-Germain, stating, “It’s incredibly hot, my toes and toenails were sore to the point of making it difficult to stop or start.” Yet, despite the grueling environment, he acknowledged that it affects everyone equally, leaving no room for excuses.
A “heat dome” phenomenon has settled over the central and eastern US, leading to temperatures climbing well into the 90s Fahrenheit. Such conditions are challenging for both players, who risk dehydration, heat exhaustion, and potentially severe heat stroke, and for fans in attendance. According to fan Tyler Fernando, the comparative humidity compared to Europe poses an even greater challenge to the players, doubling the impact of the heat. During Bayern Munich’s match against Benfica in Charlotte, North Carolina, the temperature reached an oppressive 97 degrees Fahrenheit (36 Celsius).
Spectators attending Auckland City’s match against Boca Juniors in Nashville had to contend with temperatures soaring into the upper 90s. Many male fans opted to go shirtless, while others sought out patches of shade to escape the sweltering sun. This scenario is especially concerning during large tournaments like the Club World Cup, as players get little time for recovery between successive games. Moreover, group stage matches are often staggered across the day, causing some teams to endure the midday sun while playing.
In Philadelphia, Chelsea opted to cut short a practice session due to the oppressive heat. Coach Enzo Maresca highlighted the need to face reality rather than hide behind excuses, emphasizing the importance of perseverance under such conditions. During Borussia Dortmund’s match against Mamelodi Sundowns, the unbearable heat led to an unusual situation where Dortmund’s substitutes watched the first half from inside the locker room, a choice deemed necessary due to the intense conditions at TQL Stadium.
FIFA’s current guidelines call for match breaks when the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature—a measure that reflects factors like temperature and humidity—reaches 89.6 degrees. These cooling breaks are generally scheduled around the 30th and 75th minutes of the game. Though first trialed during the 2008 Olympic finale in Beijing, they became a regular part of competitions following the 2014 World Cup in Brazil where a court mandate enforced hydration breaks under extreme heat conditions.
Ahead of Inter Miami’s game against Palmeiras, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue cautioned Club World Cup attendees on social media to take safety precautions against the heat, and Chelsea released “heat mitigation” suggestions on its official site prior to its game against Esperance. Beyond just high temperatures, summertime tournaments might also be disrupted by stormy weather, with five Club World Cup matches already postponed due to thunderstorms.
The rise in global temperatures presents increasing challenges for FIFA as they organize future tournaments, with 16 cities poised to host World Cup games next year. While some stadiums have roofs to offer shade, heat remains a significant concern. Mexican venues in Mexico City and Guadalajara could also face disruptions from the summer hurricane season, while Monterrey regularly experiences average temperatures in the 90s during summer.
Looking further into the future, the 2030 World Cup will be hosted by Morocco, Spain, and Portugal, and the 2027 Women’s World Cup is slated for Brazil, indicating ongoing climate challenges for international soccer. Environmental advocate Peter Crisp criticized FIFA’s scheduling and sponsorship decisions, arguing that holding matches in unshaded stadiums amid peak temperatures reflects a sense of disconnect from the looming risks of extreme heat on major summer tournaments.