European Teams vs USA Weather: FIFA Club World Cup Is Facing The Heat

June 28, 2025: When elite footballers start worrying more about the weather than their opponents, it’s a clear sign that something isn’t right. What was meant to be a smooth dress rehearsal for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has turned into a heatwave reality check, with the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 currently testing players more than anyone expected — not just tactically, but physically and environmentally.

Soaring Temperatures, Sinking Performances

Held across multiple U.S. cities, this year’s Club World Cup has seen temperatures soar past 90°F (32°C), particularly in cities like Cincinnati, Philadelphia, and Charlotte. European players and coaches are feeling the burn — literally.

At Borussia Dortmund’s group stage clash with Ulsan Hyundai, a 3 p.m. kickoff under intense sun led to cooling breaks, but even those couldn’t offset the toll on performance. Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca was blunt post-match:

“It’s impossible to organise regular training sessions in the afternoons.”

Atletico Madrid’s Marcos Llorente echoed the concern, noting that recovery and match sharpness have suffered due to the heat.

South American Clubs Handle the Heat

While European teams sweat it out, South American clubs are thriving. Brazil’s Flamengo, Palmeiras, Botafogo, and Fluminense have all advanced to the second round with minimal struggle — a reminder of how climate familiarity plays a crucial role in competitive performance.

Dry, Damaged Pitches Raise Eyebrows

If the weather wasn’t already a headache, the pitch conditions have only made things worse. Players have complained about dry, uneven, and hard surfaces, which deteriorate quickly under scorching sun.

PSG head coach Luis Enrique summed it up after a 2–0 win over Seattle Sounders:

“The pitch looked good but didn’t play well.”

Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham was even more direct following a match in Charlotte:

“The pitches aren’t great here, honestly… the ball barely bounces, and it’s tough on the knees. Hopefully someone looks into this before the World Cup next year.”

Achraf Hakimi also highlighted how dry pitches disrupt possession-based football, saying:

“It slows us down… With our style of play, it’s not ideal.”

Big Test Before the Bigger Stage

The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 was meant to showcase North America’s readiness for the 2026 World Cup. Instead, it’s exposed crucial issues that FIFA must address — including kickoff times, pitch quality, and climate adaptation — if the next World Cup is to meet both player safety standards and fan expectations.

Right now, the football is world-class — but the conditions aren’t keeping up.

The Verdict?

With the eyes of the footballing world on the U.S., this tournament has offered an early warning: if FIFA doesn’t act on climate and surface conditions, the 2026 World Cup could be remembered not for footballing brilliance, but for environmental oversight.