It’s not often that a football tournament is overshadowed by the weather, but this year’s Club World Cup has been just that—an intense, sweltering test not just of talent, but of endurance.
And now, amid growing complaints from players, managers, and unions, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has promised a major change ahead of next year’s expanded World Cup.
Players Struggle in Dangerous Heat During Club World Cup
From dizzy spells to postponed matches, the heat in the U.S. has been relentless.
Chelsea’s matches were especially affected, with their semi-final clash against Fluminense being played in 35.5°C conditions.
Even worse, their group stage win over ES Tunis was contested in a staggering 39°C.
In Philadelphia, where a “code red” heat emergency was declared, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca didn’t hold back.
He said trying to run a normal training session was “impossible” under those conditions.
Meanwhile, midfielder Enzo Fernandez admitted he felt “really dizzy” during that same semi-final against Fluminense, describing the experience as outright dangerous.
Thunderstorms Add to Scheduling Chaos
As if the blistering heat wasn’t enough, violent thunderstorms added more chaos.
Chelsea’s round-of-16 match against Benfica, for instance, had to be delayed by over two hours due to stormy weather.
The stop-start nature of games has left players exhausted, managers frustrated, and fans disoriented.
FIFPRO and Coaches Sound the Alarm
The international players’ union FIFPRO has made it clear: at least three of the tournament’s games should have been postponed.
They’ve raised alarms over the safety of playing in such extreme weather, calling it a serious risk to players’ health.
And they’re not the only ones speaking out—former Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp called the entire tournament “the worst idea ever implemented in football” and blamed it for “serious fears” about player burnout.
Infantino Promises Covered Stadiums for 2026 World Cup
Under mounting pressure, Gianni Infantino stepped in with a commitment: next year’s World Cup will make full use of stadiums that have roofs.
At a press conference in New York, he acknowledged the heat issue, saying it’s something they’re taking seriously.
“Of course the heat is an issue,” Infantino said.
“We have stadiums with roofs, and we will definitely use them for daytime matches next year.”
He added that cooling breaks will continue to be a key part of managing heat conditions, and that they’re learning from every criticism to improve the experience.
Which Stadiums Will Help Beat the Heat?
Luckily, some venues already have the infrastructure needed.
Cities like Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, and Vancouver all boast stadiums with retractable roofs and modern air-conditioning systems.
These are now expected to play a central role during daytime fixtures in the 2026 tournament.
The final of the Club World Cup is set to kick off at 3pm local time at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, with temperatures forecast to hit nearly 29°C.
The timing and weather conditions mirror the semi-final that left Fernandez reeling, reinforcing concerns over scheduling decisions.
Fernandez Urges FIFA to Adjust Kickoff Times
Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez didn’t mince words.
Reflecting on his dizzy spell during the semi-final, he stressed how dangerous it felt—not just for the players, but for the quality of the game itself.
“Playing in that temperature is very dangerous,” he said.
“For the fans, for those watching at home, it’s not the same.
The game slows down. It’s not enjoyable. We hope they change the schedule next year so it’s still a great spectacle.”
Empty Seats and Backlash Over Player Burnout
Beyond the weather, FIFA is facing another issue—empty stadiums.
The tournament has failed to generate much buzz, and sluggish ticket sales have forced FIFA to slash prices in hopes of boosting attendance.
Fans aren’t the only ones turning away. Some clubs have been openly critical about how the added workload is stretching players thin.
And yet, according to Infantino, not all European clubs are as opposed to the tournament as it seems.
Infantino Says Unqualified Teams Wanted In
In response to backlash, Infantino shared a surprising detail: clubs that didn’t qualify for the Club World Cup actually contacted FIFA to ask if they could take part anyway.
“Teams like Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester United, Tottenham, AC Milan, and Barcelona would all be welcome,” he said. “But there are qualifying criteria.”
The Road Ahead for FIFA
With next summer’s World Cup on the horizon, FIFA is now under pressure to prove it has learned from the Club World Cup’s missteps.
Covered stadiums, earlier or later kickoff times, and better player protection are now in the spotlight.
Whether FIFA can balance commercial goals with player welfare remains to be seen—but the players, fans, and managers will all be watching closely.