The Chelsea midfielder believes the intense heat in the United States is not just dangerous for players, but also for fans in the stands.
“I felt dizzy and had to lie down on the field,” said Enzo Fernández, describing just how difficult it is to play football in the extreme U.S. heat. According to the Chelsea and Argentina midfielder, playing in such high temperatures is “very dangerous.”
The Club World Cup is approaching its conclusion amid ongoing discussions and concerns—one of the biggest being the scorching heat across U.S. venues. The final between PSG and Chelsea will be held Sunday at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, kicking off at 1 AM Bangladesh time.
Throughout the tournament, players, coaches, and fans have all voiced concerns about the extreme weather, and the issue hasn’t faded. Ahead of the final, Fernández also warned about the soaring temperatures.
Chelsea booked their spot in the final after defeating Brazil’s Fluminense in the semifinals last Tuesday. That match kicked off at 3 PM local time in New Jersey, when the temperature was over 35°C (95°F), with humidity above 54%. Heat warnings had to be issued due to the intense conditions.
Several matches across different cities have drawn attention for similar weather issues. With the next FIFA World Cup set to take place in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada in 2026, concerns over high temperatures in the U.S. are mounting. Fernández has now joined the growing chorus of voices expressing worry.
“Honestly, the heat here is unbelievable. That day I had to lie down on the field because I felt dizzy. Playing in this temperature is very dangerous—not only for us players, but for the fans in the stadium, and even those watching from home,” said Fernández.
He also pointed out how the heat affects the game itself.
“The pace of the game just isn’t the same here. Everything slows down. I hope next year they change the schedule—at least to give people the chance to watch good and entertaining football, right?”