Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez Warns FIFA Over Dangerous US Club World Cup Heat

Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez has expressed serious concerns about the extreme heat conditions at the Club World Cup in the United States, describing playing in such temperatures as "very dangerous" and sharing that he experienced dizziness during a match. He highlighted the heat's impact on the quality and pace of the game and urged FIFA to reconsider match scheduling to ensure player safety and maintain an attractive spectacle ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. The intense heat has affected training and match preparations, with some players and coaches struggling to adapt, and has sparked debate over whether commercial interests are being prioritized over player welfare. Despite these challenges, Chelsea advanced to the final against Paris Saint-Germain, with Fernandez serving as captain and vice-captain of the team, emphasizing the importance of competing against the world's best. The extreme weather conditions have also drawn attention from officials and organizations like FIFPro, which identified several venues at high risk for heat stress, further pressuring FIFA to implement changes and improve safety protocols ahead of the World Cup. This situation underscores the urgent need for a paradigm shift in scheduling and player care to address the evolving climate risks in international football.