When elite footballers start to worry more about the sun than their opponents, it is a sign that something is wrong.
The World Cup FIFA Club was supposed to be a smooth view for the next year’s widespread World Championship in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Instead, the wave reality was controlled. As temperatures rise across host cities, players and coaches fight – not only to win, but to keep up with the conditions.
In cities like Cincinnati, Philadelphia and Charlotte, they are played in the game in the middle of the afternoon, often above 90f (32 ° C). In the group match Borussia Dortmund against Ulsan Hyundai, the game started at 3 pm under the blazing sun. Cooling breaks were allowed, but the weather had a greater impact than any tactical change.
Chelsea Boss Enzo Maresca did not stay after Philadelphia Heat experienced.
“It is impossible to organize regular trainings in the afternoon,” he told reporters.
Athletico midfielder Madrid Marcos Llorente agreed that heat influenced how the team trains and prepares. Players found it difficult to recover quickly or maintain normal sharpness of the match. PSG KHVICHA Quaratskhelia and Fabian Ruiz cool down during a break in the game (Reuters’ photos)
While the European parties fought, South American clubs – more accustomed to hot and humid climate – had less difficulty. All four Brazilian parties at the tournament – Flamengo, Palmeiras, Botafogo and Fluminense – got into the second round without much stir. Their advantage in such conditions was clear.
Pitch problems contribute to pressure
If the weather was not enough, the play surfaces added another layer of difficulty. Several players and coaches were worried about dry, uneven and hard playgrounds in various places – conditions that were only deteriorated by extreme heat.
The grass, which quickly dries under the sun, has become severe and uneven in places, making it difficult to pass, control or dribling with confidence. For teams that rely on fast -growing, heavy style, playgrounds slow down the game and create more frustration.
Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique has not changed after winning 2-0 over Seattle Sounders of his team.
“The pitch looked good, but he didn’t play well,” he said.
Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham also shared her disappointment after playing in Charlotte.
“The playgrounds are not great here, honestly,” he said. “It lasts, the ball barely jumps, and it’s also hard on the knees. Hopefully it’s something someone will look at next year at the World Championship. It is important that we protect the players and give fans a spectacle.”
PSG Full-back Achraf Hakimi explained how dry conditions directly affect their playing style.
“I think the latest aspect I have experienced so far – and it’s something we can’t do with – it’s warm,” Hakimi said the Latin Times.
“It’s summer and you can tell how quickly the playground will dry up. With our style of playing, where we like to control the ball and control the flow of the game, it slows us down when the playground is dry.”
The club’s World Cup was to prove that North America is ready for a big scene. Instead, it raises serious questions. Performance times for the World Championship in 2026 are still under the wrap, but if FIFA does not make adjustments to climatic and surface conditions, the tournament could remember next year for bad reasons.
Football arrived. Now it is time for the organizers to catch up – before the heat is taken over again.
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Published:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
27th June 2025
