Enzo Maresca, the head coach of Chelsea, expressed the challenges faced by the team due to scorching conditions in Philadelphia before their match against Espérance. With temperatures reaching 36C and a heat index of 41C, training sessions had to be shortened, focusing on conserving energy for the game. Despite the extreme heat, Chelsea must face Espérance to avoid an early exit from the tournament.

Maresca emphasized the need for player recovery, especially considering it will be Chelsea’s 60th game of the season. The coach hinted at making lineup changes and experimenting with new tactics against Espérance. However, concerns were raised about the intense heat affecting players and spectators, prompting calls for FIFA to postpone matches to ensure safety.

The Club World Cup has faced criticism for its handling of hot weather conditions, with complaints about inadequate shade and water access for fans. The upcoming match between Bayern Munich and Benfica in Charlotte is also under scrutiny due to the expected high temperatures.

Amidst these challenges, FIFA has defended its approach, stating that player health is a top priority. Despite calls for increased cooling breaks and lower temperature thresholds, FIFA maintains that it is monitoring weather conditions closely to ensure a safe environment for all involved in the tournament.