Club World Cup matches strained by extreme weather

Climate change is a serious threat to human life. 

And FIFA, on their part, are trying to invest in research, infrastructural development, technology and new rules to try and protect players, coaches, officials and fans inside stadia at major competitions.

Scientific evidence suggests that global warming is generating intense heatwaves, particularly in North America and the FIFA World Cup, being held during summer, is right in the middle of these extreme weather conditions.

Since the tournament kicked off on June 14, players have expressed concerns about the hot and humid conditions during the tournament with Miami, Dallas, California, Cincinnati, Washington, North Carolina and Houston, the most affected. On average, temperatures in Florida have surpassed 90 Celsius.

In the aftermath of their loss to PSG, Atletico midfielder Marcos Llorente stated: “It’s terribly hot. My toes were sore, my nails were hurting. I couldn’t’t stop or start. Since it’s the same for everyone, there’s no complaint.”

In the build-up to matches, it has been a common sight seeing players running through sprinklers and using ice cubes to cool down. 

During the Group F match against Mamelodi Sundowns, Dortmund's substitutes kept out of the heat by watching the first half from the dressing room, then sheltered under umbrellas on the bench for the second half.

It’s safe to say some matches are clearly influenced by the temperature, especially games whose kick-off is at midday. 

Some teams from regions with warmer climates such as Al Hilal and North Africa (Waydad Casabalanca, Al Ahly and Esperance) might naturally have better tolerance for high temperatures, potentially gaining an advantage over European clubs.
There has been criticism regarding FIFA’s decision to consider early kick-off times (12pm) at the tournament. Early kick off times were selected for the benefit of fans in Europe and Africa.

Buit this ignored the players and fans attending the month-long tournament in the USA.

Since 2014, FIFA has had protocols in place for humid conditions. The procedures allow for cooling breaks, during which players take extra fluids in each half if temperatures exceed 32 Celsius.

All games have consequently had water breaks 30 minutes into the games. Weather concerns are likely to continue through the next three weeks, as a heat wave is expected to send temperatures soaring across the country.

What is the way forward? 
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 acclimatization."

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.

With the 2026 World Cup just a year away, most of the players likely to compete then are already getting a taste of what is to come.

“What you’re seeing right now is very typical. This is not unusual at all,” Ben Schott, operations chief with the National Weather Service, said last week. “Next year, we may be going through the same thing.” 

For now, fans are flocking to beaches and parks to cool off and enjoy the outdoors. Over the last three days, Southern Miami beaches have been lined with sunbathers in bikinis under umbrellas enjoying summer.