Juventus Players Struggle in Club World Cup Heat

During the Club World Cup last-16 match in Miami, Juventus head coach Igor Tudor revealed that ten of his players requested substitutions due to extreme heat, humidity, and end-of-season fatigue, but FIFA regulations allowed only five to be made. Real Madrid won 1-0 with a decisive goal from Gonzalo Garcia, advancing to the quarterfinals. The match was played in temperatures reaching 30-31°C with 70% humidity, prompting criticism of FIFA's heat protocols and substitution limits. FIFPRO and medical experts have called for earlier cooling breaks and possible match delays to protect player safety. The tournament is being regarded as a test run for the 2026 World Cup in the US, raising concerns about player welfare and scheduling in such climates. Juventus and other teams are now focused on recovery as pressure mounts on FIFA to address the heat issue.