The current heatwave throughout the U.S. has FIFA Club World Cup teams “playing in conditions many have never encountered before,” which has become an “unintended consequence” in the event’s efforts to appeal to both American and European audiences, according to Emma Moon of the CHARLOTTE OBSERVER. This year’s tournament is “part of a trial run” ahead of the World Cup, which will take place across North America next July. Club World Cup games are on U.S. soil, while the game times are “on a European schedule.” Portuguese club S.L. Benfica and Bundesliga side Bayern Munich squared off yesterday in Charlotte, with a 3pm ET start “in what felt like 105-degree weather, with temperatures peaking at 97.” The Mecklenburg Emergency Medical Services Agency “spent weeks preparing for the event to protect fans,” deploying its “special operations team around the stadium.” Moon: “Still, in an open-air stadium with almost no shade, players and fans had to endure. People in attendance fled to the concourse during halftime and cooling breaks” (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 6/25).
COMING IN HOT: The AP’s Anne Peterson wrote the “grueling conditions could also be a preview of what’s to come” next summer during the 2026 World Cup. A “heat dome” of high pressure has settled in over the central and eastern U.S., sending temperatures “soaring into the 90s in Fahrenheit and above in many areas.” Those at the Auckland City match against Boca Juniors in Nashville yesterday “braved temperatures in the upper 90s.” Male spectators “went shirtless and fans sought sections where there was shade.” Heat is of “particular concern during big tournaments” such as the Club World Cup because the players “don’t have much time off to recover between games.” FIFA guidelines “mandate breaks” when the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature -- a composite of factors including temperature and humidity -- reaches 89.6 degrees. The breaks “usually occur around the 30th and 75th minutes.” Peterson noted it is “not just high temperatures” that can impact summer tournaments, as five Club World Cup matches have been delayed by thunderstorms. The climate is “going to be an increasing issue for FIFA as global temperatures rise.” Sixteen cities will host World Cup games next year. Five of the stadiums that will be used have roofs to “provide some sun protection” (AP, 6/24).
