Enzo Fernandez voices concerns over ‘very dangerous’ heat ahead of Club World Cup final

Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez has raised serious concerns about the extreme heat players are facing at the Club World Cup in the United States, describing the conditions as “very dangerous.”

The Argentine has featured in all six of Chelsea’s matches during the tournament, with three of those taking place in what local authorities classified as “extreme heat”.

Temperatures in New York, the location of Sunday’s final between Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain, have recently soared to 38°C (100°F), making regular training and match preparation difficult for players and coaches alike.

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has voiced his frustrations, saying the weather has made it “impossible” to conduct proper training sessions despite his team’s successful run to the final of the revamped, lucrative tournament.

Fernandez has also opened up about the toll it’s taken on the players.

“Honestly, the heat is incredible. The other day I had to lie down on the ground because I was really dizzy,” he told reporters.

“Playing in this temperature is very dangerous, it’s very dangerous. Moreover, for the spectacle, for the people who come to enjoy the stadium, for the people who watch it at home.

Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez has said the heat during Club World Cup matches has been “very dangerous” to play in.

Fernandez has described feeling dizzy in matches due to the heat and has outlined how it has a detrimental impact on the standard of matches.

“The heat is… pic.twitter.com/6edghao8sM

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“The game, the speed of the game is not the same, everything becomes very slow.”

The intense afternoon heat has also sparked criticism over match scheduling. Many games have kicked off early in the day to accommodate TV audiences in Europe and Africa – a move that some argue prioritises commercial concerns over player welfare.

Fernandez, who is expected to feature for Argentina at the 2026 World Cup hosted across North America, added: “Well, let’s hope that next year they change the schedule, at least so that it remains a beautiful and attractive football spectacle, right?”

FIFA, in a recent statement, acknowledged the seriousness of the issue and outlined some steps it has taken to address player safety.

“Heat conditions are a serious topic that affect football globally.

“At the Club World Cup some significant and progressive measures are being taken to protect the players from the heat. For instance, cooling breaks were implemented in 31 out of 54 matches so far.

“Discussions on how to deal with heat conditions need to take place collectively and FIFA stands ready to facilitate this dialogue, including through the task force on player welfare, and to receive constructive input from all stakeholders on how to further enhance heat management.

“In all of this, the protection of players must be at the centre.”

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