By: Osabuohien Imuetinyanosa
Weather conditions in the club world cup seems to be unstoppable but manageable. The games so far has suffered various wether conditions that causes disturbing breaks in each halves.
The weather conditions 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 next week with either a major or extreme heat risk, as temperatures could reach 41C.
This comes just a year out from the World Cup which is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
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.”
‘The dangers facing players’
PSG and Atletico players place cold towels on their heads to try and keep cool
PSG and Atletico players struggled with the heat at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California
Fossil Free Football say: “Particular concern is for the fixtures in the no-shade stadium in Charlotte where a heat index of 38C (Real Madrid v Pachuca) and 41C (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 41C 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 32C 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 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.”
When it rains, it pours
Fans leave their seats to move inside during a thunderstorm
Fans at several games – including Palmeiras v Al-Ahly – have had to leave their seats and go inside the stadium during storms
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.
Four of the first 21 games faced waits ranging from 40 minutes to two-and-a-half hours for thunder and lightning storms and heavy rain.
Broadcasters will not be happy with the potential for overlapping matches at the 2026 World Cup.
Benfica v Auckland City was due to conclude an hour before Chelsea’s match against Flamengo started – but ended up finishing well after the final whistle had been blown in the Blues’ defeat.
“This is the longest game of my career,” said Benfica coach Bruno Lage. “A special thanks to our fans, who have been here.
