🌩 Weather Wreaks Havoc at Club World Cup – Delays, Thunderstorms & Heatwaves
⚠️ Chaos in the Club World Cup
Weather continues to dominate the headlines at the FIFA Club World Cup — not goals or tactics. For the fourth time, severe conditions disrupted matches, with thunderstorms and dangerous heat reshaping the tournament schedule.
⏰ Storm Delays and Match Interruptions:
-
⛈️ Benfica vs Auckland City (Orlando):
➤ 2-hour second-half delay due to storms -
⛈️ Mamelodi Sundowns vs Ulsan HD (Orlando):
➤ Kick-off delayed over an hour -
⚡ Palmeiras vs Al-Ahly (New Jersey):
➤ 40-minute stoppage mid-second half -
⛈️ Salzburg vs Pachuca (Cincinnati):
➤ 90-minute weather delay
The growing pattern is clear: weather is proving a serious disruptor in this year’s competition.
🔥 Extreme Heat Incoming
As if storms weren’t enough, a scorching heatwave is set to hit next week. Temperatures are forecast to rise up to 41°C (106°F) — with 10 matches facing “major or extreme” heat risk, according to the campaign group Fossil Free Football.
“Many of the players expecting to compete in 2026 are already getting a taste of what's to come.”
– Dr Chris Tyler, environmental physiologist & heat-stress expert
🌎 2026 Warning Signs?
With the 2026 World Cup just a year away, this Club World Cup is already exposing cracks in the calendar — especially with kick-offs scheduled before 5pm to favor prime-time TV.
“Extreme heat could become the tournament’s most formidable opponent,” warned Dr. Tyler.
🛡 FIFA Responds
FIFA issued a brief statement:
“We will continue to monitor weather conditions in coordination with venue teams to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.”
But critics argue more proactive scheduling and venue planning are urgently needed as climate becomes football’s next tactical challenge.
