Scorching heat and sudden thunderstorms have caused significant disruption at the Club World Cup, raising concerns over similar conditions expected during the 2026 men’s World Cup in North America.
As a severe heatwave blankets much of the eastern United States, players and coaches have been forced to adapt their routines to cope with the punishing temperatures and humidity.
In an unusual move, Borussia Dortmund left their substitutes inside the dressing room for the first half of their match against Mamelodi Sundowns in Cincinnati, sparing them from the blistering sun on the bench. Meanwhile, Chelsea’s coach Enzo Maresca cut short his side’s training session in Philadelphia as temperatures soared to 37.2°C (99°F).
Dortmund’s manager, Niko Kovac, stressed the impact of the weather on the tournament’s outcome, stating: “I believe this tournament will not be won by the best team, but by the one best able to handle these conditions.”
Alongside mandatory cooling breaks at halftime, teams have taken extra precautions to mitigate the oppressive heat. Kovac highlighted the medical support provided, saying, “Our players receive excellent care from our medical staff. We use cold towels, ice baths for the legs and feet — all to help them cool down.”
This tournament serves as a foretaste of the challenges expected at the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. A recent study published in the International Journal of Biometeorology warned of the risks extreme heat poses to both players and spectators, citing climate change as a driver of increasingly frequent and intense heatwaves.
Storm Adds to Weather Challenges at Club World Cup
The same study revealed that 14 of the 16 host cities for the 2026 World Cup regularly experience temperatures exceeding safe limits according to the wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) — a measure of heat stress. It recommended scheduling matches outside the hottest afternoon periods to avoid the worst conditions.
In addition to sweltering heat, the Club World Cup has faced multiple delays due to lightning warnings, with play halted whenever lightning strikes occur within 16 kilometres (10 miles) of stadiums, as mandated by US safety regulations. Tuesday’s Boca Juniors vs Auckland City match marked the fifth game disrupted by such delays, while Benfica’s fixture against Auckland suffered a nearly two-hour stoppage.
Ben Schott of the National Weather Service, who advises FIFA and the US World Cup taskforce, said the current weather is not unusual despite record-breaking temperatures. “Much of the eastern US regularly experiences these conditions during summer,” he explained. “It is wise for teams and fans to prepare for similar weather during the 2026 tournament.”
Although the US hosted the World Cup in 1994, no matches then were stopped due to storms, reflecting improvements in forecasting technology. “We can now predict weather events almost a week in advance with much greater accuracy than 15 to 20 years ago,” Schott noted.
Thunderstorms and lightning are “par for the course” in parts of North America at this time of year, he added. The region regularly experiences moisture influxes from the Gulf of Mexico that trigger afternoon storms.
“As we approach World Cup 2026, we can expect similar weather patterns to those we’re witnessing now,” Schott said.
FIFA did not immediately comment when approached for a statement.
