Extreme heat at the Club World Cup: Players and fans voice concerns as temperatures soar
As temperatures rose towards 90F at Cincinnati's TQL Stadium on Saturday while Borussia Dortmund played South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns, the German team posted on social media: 'Our subs watched the first half from inside the locker room to avoid the blazing sun — never seen that before, but in this heat, it absolutely makes sense.'
The message was accompanied by a picture of players who would usually be pitchside instead sitting in shorts and T-shirts around a table stocked with drinks.
Players, coaches and supporters were already concerned about high temperatures during matches in the opening week of the Club World Cup, and now a heatwave across the United States in the coming days will cause temperatures to rise even further, with participants expressing their worries to The Athletic and experts suggesting FIFA take proactive moves.
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'The match was clearly influenced by the temperature,' said Luis Enrique, manager of the European champions Paris Saint-Germain, after their opening game against Atletico Madrid in Los Angeles on the weekend kicked off at 12pm local time. 'The time slot is great for European audiences, but the teams are suffering.'
Over the next week, parts of the country are set to get even hotter, including locations where football games are taking place. Eight of the 11 host cities (there are two venues in Orlando) are located on the East Coast, and it is the northeast of the country that is expected to experience the worst of the heatwave.
According to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the temperature in New York is expected to pass 100F (37.8C) by Tuesday and an extreme heat warning has been in place for Philadelphia from Sunday until the end of the week.
In Nashville, Tennessee, which hosts Auckland City vs Boca Juniors on Tuesday at 2pm local time, the temperature could get to 98F (36.7C). There is a similar forecast on Tuesday in Charlotte, North Carolina, where Benfica take on Bayern Munich at 3pm local time (99F, 37.2C).
Afternoon kick-offs on Wednesday and Thursday in Cincinnati, Ohio, and Washington, D.C, respectively, could take place in heat in the mid-90s, too.
The timing of matches in this tournament is a concern, with 35 of the 63 fixtures kicking off earlier than 5pm, and 15 of those starting at midday. Only two of those 12pm games are being held in Atlanta, where the roof can provide some protection for players.
The National Weather Service recommends that, during heatwaves, people should stay hydrated and look for areas of shade when outdoors. It also suggests limiting strenuous outdoor activities.
Given this tournament is something of a trial run before the 2026 World Cup, which will be played across the U.S, Canada and Mexico at the same time of year, FIFA's approach in terms of the safeguarding of players and fans in such circumstances is set to come under increased scrutiny.
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'It's difficult, but we have to get used to it because the tournament is here and next year the World Cup will be here, too,' France and Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni told The Athletic.
So, what are the rules around playing in high temperatures? What impact does it have on players and how are teams preparing for this? What are FIFA doing to protect those involved and those attending games? And is it enough? The Athletic explains…
Before the opening weekend on June 14-15, the National Weather Service predicted 'moderate' heat risk for Miami and Los Angeles, with temperatures likely to exceed 86F (30C).
For the tournament's opening game between Inter Miami and Al Ahly, an 8pm ET kick-off at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium meant the peak heat of the day had passed. But on Sunday afternoon, Paris Saint-Germain vs Atletico Madrid kicked off at midday in the open-air Rose Bowl Stadium in Los Angeles amid temperatures reportedly nearing 104F (40C) on the pitch.
Both PSG and Atletico made it clear that the heat was a factor. Luis Enrique's sentiments were echoed by PSG midfielder Vitinha, who said: 'It's hot at this time. I'm all red. It was really difficult. We just have to try to recuperate as much as possible, whether it's using compression boots or cold treatment.'
The Atletico midfielder Marcos Llorente went into more detail after the match, saying: 'It's impossible, terribly hot. My toenails were hurting; I couldn't slow down or speed up. It was unbelievable.'
Of the 12 stadiums across the United States being used in the Club World Cup, only one, the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, has a roof that can be closed, which is done when the temperature is above 80F, as it was for Manchester City's 6-0 win over Al Ain on Sunday night.
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Five of the remaining 11 stadiums have no coverage at all, while the other six have partial coverage, mainly for spectators to protect them from the elements.
In Cincinnati, the TQL Stadium (which hosted Bayern's 10-0 thrashing of Auckland City on the tournament's opening weekend in temperatures of around 83F/28C) has a canopy roof that covers all seats but is designed to allow ample sunlight to reach the field. Good for the grass, not so great for the players exerting themselves in the midday sun.
Cooling/ice towels have been widely in use, with players (and coaches) applying them to the backs of their necks or over their heads during cooling breaks and at half and full time. During Real Madrid's 1-1 draw with Al Hilal in Miami on Wednesday afternoon (a 3pm ET kick-off), the Madrid coach Xabi Alonso could be seen picking up a wet towel and placing it around his neck in a bid to cool down.
For his players, it was tougher. Alonso revealed after the game that Vinicius Junior was having cramps 'because of the heat, because of the pitch', while Gonzalo Garcia said after the game: 'It was very hot, the match was at an hour that we are not used to playing at. It would have been better to play at a different time.'
At Real Madrid's training base in Miami, the club included heated tents among the temporary structures they put in place before the team's arrival to mimic the kind of conditions players will face. Heat lamps can even be used inside these tents to help recreate the feeling of the powerful rays of the sun. Temperatures inside the tents can range from 35 to 50C (95 to 122F) and the humidity rises from around 30 per cent to 80 per cent by the end of the session.
Teams including Manchester City and Juventus have been using training sessions to deliberately try to speed up the adaptation process, with City manager Pep Guardiola holding long training sessions in the searing Florida heat at their base in Boca Raton. Last Friday's session lasted nearly two hours in temperatures surpassing 90F.
Phil Foden, the City midfielder, said after the win over Wydad (a noon kick-off in Philadelphia) that he and his team-mates had tried to play more of a possession game to cope in the conditions.
Juventus have been mirroring their training times to match kick-off times, with defender Lloyd Kelly telling the media after their opening game that they had trained 'the past 10 days in the hottest times of the day'.
That match against Al Ain was a 9pm kick-off on Wednesday evening, but despite the later hour, temperatures in Washington were still hot and sticky enough that after the match (a 5-0 victory for the Italians), USMNT forward Timothy Weah told reporters: 'I only played a half, and it was like, I was dying out there. It was really hot.'
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Dortmund's post about their substitutes sheltering was characterised in some replies as being another European team finding an excuse for their performances at a tournament in which South American teams have had an early edge.
But Dortmund won the game in question 4-3, and after Palmeiras' 2-0 win over Al Ahly at MetLife Stadium on Thursday (a midday kickoff), the Brazilian midfielder Mauricio told The Athletic: 'The heat definitely had an impact today. We couldn't play with the same intensity we showed against Porto. We had to slow things down and manage the tempo.'
His team-mate Joaquin Piquerez echoed those thoughts: 'Today was too hot and the time of the day when we played did not help. I asked Egyptian players what they thought of the heat and even they said it was hot, even though they are used to playing in a hot climate.'
As well as the teams suffering, those attending matches have been struggling with the heat, too. The biggest issue comes in the open stadiums, where there is little to no shade for supporters.
At PSG against Atletico in the uncovered Rose Bowl stadium, one journalist said they had collapsed after transport issues left them having to walk two miles to the stadium in the searing sun, and a girl was seen being treated by medical staff. There were also reports of 45-minute queues for water at concession stands.
At the Palmeiras match against Al Ahly on June 19, which kicked off at midday in New York, supporters moved seats to try to be in shaded areas and at half-time flooded inside for shelter and to access water. There are water fountains on the concourses at MetLife and bottled water is for sale from concession stands.
Some people who complained to stadium staff about the heat during the match, particularly elderly fans, were directed towards Club 50, an air-conditioned VIP area with a bar and screens showing the match.
Brazilians are no strangers to high temperatures, but Palmeiras fans who made the trip to New York still weren't thrilled about the early kick-off, with one fan telling The Athletic: 'Back home, our league matches don't start until after 4 or 5pm. This is not a good time.'
Al Ahly followers echoed the sentiment. Many had brought children to the game and spent parts of the match ducking into air-conditioned areas to escape the heat.
On top of that, there were grumbles about the concession prices: $15 for a beer and $5 for water. At half-time, a long line formed in front of the water fountain as fans waited to fill their cups.
A sporting director for one of the teams at the tournament — speaking on the condition of anonymity to protect their position — told The Athletic during the opening week that the conditions so far and the forecast for the coming days have made their sports science team and players very worried about their remaining group games.
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The only reference to extreme weather in FIFA's regulations for the tournament refers to the use of cooling breaks.
These breaks in play are implemented around the 30th and 75th minute of play in cases when the wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT; an overall thermal strain measure achieved by combining temperature, humidity, wind speed and solar radiation) exceeds 32C/89.6F on the pitch and allow players to hydrate and use cooling measures such as ice towels. These breaks can last anything from 90 seconds to three minutes.
Christopher Tyler is a reader in Environmental Physiology at the University of Roehampton. His research focuses on human responses to extreme hot and cold environments, specifically how to minimise the performance impairments observed in such conditions. He believes that FIFA's heat protocol should be implemented earlier.
'When you take into consideration other factors the elite footballer faces, such as total game load, 32C/89.6F is probably too high as a break — this is a preventative break,' he says.
'FIFA would argue that it works because they haven't seen enough medical complications at that temperature or above, but the argument against that is that players are probably slowing down and changing how they are playing, so they're not getting ill. 32°C/89.6F is high compared to many other sports as a threshold from a safety point of view, but also, it will eventually compromise the quality of the game as well.'
Tyler says there is data to show that stopping at 32C/89.6F and taking on fluid does decrease the strain afterwards because players have time to lose a bit of heat and not continue to gain more, but says 'there is no real reason why that couldn't be lowered'.
In response to questions from The Athletic, FIFA said its medical experts 'have been in regular contact with the clubs to address heat management and acclimatisation'. It said it was working with local medical authorities regarding heat management.
People briefed on the organisation's position said that there is no scientific evidence to suggest that lowering the threshold for cooling breaks improves safety and that there are no plans to do so.
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'FIFA's current approach is reactive, not preventative,' says Tyler. 'We urgently need more robust, science-led heat mitigation strategies, or we risk seeing performance suffer and health compromised on the world's biggest stage.'
FIFA did not respond directly when asked by The Athletic if it would consider moving matches or kick-off times during the incoming heatwave but people briefed on the organisation's thinking say that the conditions will be considered in the same way that storm threats have been, though there is no specific guidance as to what happens if it gets too hot.
Four matches in four days have had weather-related delays that have at times suspended play for as long as two hours. In each case, FIFA has worked in unison with the relevant local authorities on the decisions. The organisation is not monitoring the weather across the competition but does receive reports and updates from the stadium.
In a statement shared with The Athletic, FIFPro, the organisation that represents professional footballers across the globe, said: 'FIFPro has consistently advocated for comprehensive heat protection measures including mandatory cooling breaks, adjustments to kick-off times to avoid the most intense heat, and the postponement of matches when conditions pose a serious health risk to players… FIFPro will closely monitor the situation in the coming weeks with a view to prioritising player welfare over other considerations.'
In a statement to The Athletic, FIFA said: 'From a broader player welfare perspective, besides having the right to make a maximum of five substitutions, teams can make an additional substitution if a match goes into extra time (regardless of whether the team has used its maximum number of substitutes or not), as well as a concussion substitution. Additionally, all teams have a minimum of three rest days between matches to facilitate recovery.'
And regarding people attending the games: 'Fans are welcome to bring empty, transparent, reusable plastic bottles, up to one (1) litre/33.8 oz. capacity into the stadiums. In venues where temperatures are extreme, local authorities may implement additional measures such as hydration reminders via stadium announcements, cooling buses and water stations. Furthermore, in coordination with the World Health Organization, 'beat the heat tips' will be shared with all ticket holders.
'FIFA will continue to monitor the weather conditions in coordination with the venue teams to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.'
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The issues are particularly relevant because the United States, along with Canada and Mexico, will host the World Cup next year, the biggest sports event on the planet that will involve 48 teams and their travelling supporters.
The Athletic reported on Sunday that the National Weather Service has been working with FIFA to develop plans for all 11 U.S. cities preparing to host World Cup games next year. One advantage is that some venues not in use this summer, such as the AT&T Stadium in Dallas and the NRG Stadium in Houston, are indoor stadiums.
The agency will also have meteorologists in each city who will work closely with local leaders, Ben Schott, the operations chief with the National Weather Service, told The Athletic. Their main goal as a federal agency is to protect 'life and property.'
He explained that FIFA, meanwhile, will likely have its own meteorologist who will prioritise forecasting related to players and the tournament.
Here are when and where games are taking place in the next seven days and the forecast temperature on each day. All forecasts are per the National Weather Service's NOAA and are correct as of June 22.
Friday, June 27, is the only day during the tournament with no matches.
MetLife, New York, New Jersey
Monday, June 21: Porto vs Al Ahly (9pm ET) – high of 98F in the day, low of 78F at night
Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
Tuesday, June 24: Esperance de Tunis vs Chelsea (9pm ET) – high of 102F in the day, low of 81F at night
Thursday, June 26: Salzburg vs Real Madrid (9pm ET) – high of 93F in the day, low of 71F at night
Saturday, June 28: First match of last 16 (12pm ET) – high of 86F in the day, low of 72F at night
Audi Field, Washington, D.C.
Thursday, June 26: Wydad vs Al Ain (3pm ET) – high of 96F in the day, low of 76F at night
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TQL Stadium, Cincinnati
Wednesday, June 25: Dortmund vs Ulsan (3pm ET) – high of 96F in the day, low of 75F at night
Rose Bowl Stadium, Los Angeles
Monday, June 23: Atletico Madrid vs Botafogo (12pm PT) – high of 78F in the day, low of 55F at night
Wednesday, June 25: Urawa Red Diamonds vs Monterrey (6pm ET) – high of 83F in the day, low of 60F at night
Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte
Tuesday, June 24: Benfica v Bayern Munich (3pm ET) – high of 99F in the day, low of 77F at night
Saturday, June 28: Second match of last 16 (4pm ET) – high of 94F in the day, low of 73F at night
Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
Sunday, June 29: Third match of last-16 (12pm ET) – TBC
GEODIS Park, Nashville
Tuesday, June 24: Auckland City vs Boca Juniors (2pm CT) – high of 98F in the day, low of 77F at night
Thursday, June 26: Al Hilal vs Pachuca (8pm CT) – high of 98F in the day, low of 76F at night
Hard Rock Stadium, Miami
Monday, June 23: Inter Miami vs Palmeiras (9pm ET) – high of 90F in the day, low of 80F at night
Wednesday, June 25: Mamelodi Sundowns vs Fluminense (3pm ET) – high of 90F in the day, low of 79F at night
Sunday, June 29: Fourth match of last 16 (4pm ET) – TBC
Lumen Field, Seattle
Monday, June 23: Seattle v PSG (12pm PT) – high of 77F in the day, low of 56F at night
Wednesday, June 25: Inter vs River Plate (6pm PT) – high of 69F in the day, low of 56F at night
Camping World Stadium, Orlando
Tuesday, June 24: LAFC vs Flamengo (9pm ET) – high of 94F in the day, low of 75F at night
Thursday, June 26: Juventus vs Man City (3pm ET) – high of 94F in the day, low of 75F at night
The Gold Cup is also in progress in the U.S. this summer, while other competitions, such as the Premier League's Summer Series, have also taken place in the country at this time of year before without significant issues. However, heat controversies are not new in football.
At the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, 34 of the 52 matches were scheduled to kick off at noon despite oppressive temperatures (over 100F in Monterrey, northern Mexico, where England were due to play). The Argentina forward Jorge Valdano called the midday kick-off times an 'attack against the players… This World Cup shows clearly that the interests of television are put on top of those of soccer'.
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There were concerns at the 1994 tournament in the U.S, too, where the heat in Dallas and Orlando was expected, but a heatwave also brought scorching temperatures to Chicago and California. During the tournament, The New York Times reported that, in Orlando, 106 fans were treated for 'mostly minor heat problems', while in Chicago, 43 were treated for heat exhaustion and 13 hospitalised on the tournament's opening day.
Last year's Copa America was heavily impacted by the heat, too. During a match between Canada and Peru at Children's Mercy Park in Kansas City, assistant referee Humberto Panjoj collapsed while running the line at the end of the first half.
Temperatures in the stadium were as high as 91F, with a feels-like temperature of 101F at the time, with 51 per cent humidity.
'It's gotta be an 8 or 9 o'clock kick-off. Because honestly, it's not even safe for the fans,' Canada defender Alistair Johnston said.
Contributing reporters: Dan Sheldon, Jack Lang, Adam Crafton, Mario Cortegana, Felipe Cardenas
(Top photos: Jonathon Moscrop/Getty, Alex Pantling/Getty, Stu Forster/Getty, Robbie Jay Barratt/Getty, Darren Walsh/Getty; design: Kelsea Petersen)
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