Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez expressed concerns about playing in "very dangerous" heat during the Club World Cup in the United States, stating that he has felt "dizzy" due to the high temperatures.
The 24-year-old has participated in all six of Chelsea's matches leading up to the final against Paris Saint-Germain in New Jersey on Sunday. Three of these games were played in what has been described as "extreme heat," with local weather advisories cautioning against strenuous physical activities outdoors.
In New Jersey, where the final is to be held, temperatures have soared to 38°C recently. Chelsea's manager, Enzo Maresca, has noted the difficulty of conducting normal training sessions under such conditions, despite the team's success in reaching the final of this prestigious and newly-expanded tournament.
Reflecting on his experience at the Club World Cup, Fernandez remarked, "Honestly, the heat is incredible. Recently, I had to lie down on the ground because I felt really dizzy. Playing in this temperature is very dangerous, not just for us but also for the fans in the stadium and those watching at home. The pace of the game slows down significantly."
Both players and managers have raised concerns about the afternoon kick-off times throughout the tournament, which are partly scheduled to accommodate TV audiences in Europe and Africa. Fernandez, who is expected to join Argentina's squad for the 2026 World Cup in North America, added, "Let's hope that next year they adjust the schedule to maintain an exciting football spectacle."
Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique commented that the heat "is not good for the show" before their 4-0 semi-final victory over Real Madrid on Wednesday. Chelsea defender Levi Colwill also noted, "Some places have been really hot, and watching the last round, I thought, 'Wow, this is tough.' I felt bad for them, but they managed it well."
Former Germany striker Jurgen Klinsmann, now part of FIFA's technical study group, recalled the challenging conditions during the 1994 World Cup in Dallas, emphasizing that teams must adapt to the heat. "Playing in 90-degree Fahrenheit (32°C) heat is tough," Klinsmann said. "I played in 120-degree (49°C) heat in Dallas, and it was grueling."
Klinsmann added that teams must adapt, much like those who will compete next summer. "There will be two teams in each game. It's not always pleasant, especially for European teams, but they have to adjust."
FIFA released a statement last week addressing the heat, acknowledging it as a serious issue affecting global football. "Significant and progressive measures are being taken to protect players at the Club World Cup. Cooling breaks were implemented in 31 out of 54 matches so far," FIFA noted.
FIFA emphasized the need for collective discussions on managing heat conditions and expressed readiness to facilitate dialogue through their task force on player welfare, ensuring that player protection remains a priority.
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