The intense heat in the US has prompted concerns from numerous players and coaches. The International Federation of Professional Footballers (FIFPRO) released data showing that three FIFA Club World Cup matches should have been postponed due to temperatures exceeding 28 degrees Celsius according to the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) index. The semifinal between Chelsea and Fluminense at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey on 8/7 reached over 35 degrees Celsius.

Enzo Fernandez receives medical attention during Chelsea's 2-0 win against Fluminense in the FIFA Club World Cup semifinal at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, USA on 8/7/2025. Photo: Reuters

Enzo Fernandez receives medical attention during Chelsea's 2-0 win against Fluminense in the FIFA Club World Cup semifinal at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, USA on 8/7/2025. Photo: Reuters

Ahead of the final against PSG, at the same venue and kickoff time as the semifinal, Fernandez admitted struggling in the extreme weather conditions.

"Honestly, the heat was terrible. I don't know how to describe it," the Argentinian midfielder said on the sidelines of training on 11/7. "The other day, I felt a bit dizzy during one play. I had to lie down on the pitch because I was so overwhelmed. Playing in this temperature is very dangerous. Moreover, for the fans in the stadium and watching at home, the pace of the game isn't normal, everything becomes very slow."

The US will co-host the 2026 World Cup with Canada and Mexico in June and 7/2026. Fernandez urged FIFA to reassess the schedule to ensure the hot weather doesn't impact the tournament. "Hopefully, next year they will change the schedule so that the World Cup remains a beautiful and attractive football spectacle," the 24-year-old midfielder expressed.

Levi Colwill agreed that the heat slowed the game down. "Turning the match into basketball in this weather wouldn't benefit anyone," the Chelsea center-back said. "You have to control the ball more, choose the right moments to attack and score."

Chelsea used misting fans to cool down during both training and matches at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Photo: Chelsea FC

Chelsea used misting fans to cool down during both training and matches at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Photo: Chelsea FC

Former Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, now FIFA's Chief of Global Football Development, acknowledged the heat's impact on the Club World Cup matches. "The heat in some matches was an issue. We tried to manage it with cooling breaks and watering the pitch. We learned a lot," the former French manager said.

Wenger said FIFA is considering using stadiums with roofs in cities like Atlanta, Dallas, Los Angeles, and Houston to host the first matches of the 2026 World Cup. He also said FIFA analysts studied the impact of temperature on player performance and found that temperatures above 35 degrees Celsius affect sprint speed more than total distance covered.

"Certainly next year there will be more stadiums with roofs because we still have to adhere to the television broadcast schedule. We are learning to better equip ourselves to deal with these conditions," Wenger said.

Hong Duy (according to Guardian, ESPN)