Extreme Heat Affects Multiple Club World Cup US, Canada, Mexico Venues

A severe heatwave across the United States, particularly affecting the Northeast and parts of the Midwest, is impacting the FIFA Club World Cup, with temperatures reaching highs that create challenging conditions for players and teams. Borussia Dortmund's coach Niko Kovac described the intense heat during a match in Cincinnati as akin to coming out of a sauna, noting that substitutes had to stay in the locker room during the first half to avoid the blazing sun. Matches have faced delays and interruptions not only from extreme heat but also from thunderstorms and heavy rain, complicating tournament scheduling and player safety. Experts and team officials have expressed concerns about the heat's effect on performance and health, especially with the 2026 World Cup approaching in the same region, prompting calls for proactive measures from FIFA. Several venues, including TQL Stadium in Cincinnati and other East Coast locations, are expected to see temperatures near or above 100°F, with some matches forecasted to be played in dangerously hot conditions. This ongoing heatwave underscores the broader challenges posed by extreme weather on major sporting events in the U.S.