CHARLOTTE, NC – As the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup continues across the United States, players, coaches, and fans are enduring record-breaking temperatures. With the group stage wrapping up and knockout matches on the horizon, the heat is a major factor in many of today’s key games.
Scorching Temperatures Across the East Coast
On Tuesday, June 24, temperatures in major cities like Washington, D.C. and Boston are expected to reach 101°F (38°C), breaking records by 6°F. In New York City’s Central Park, temperatures are forecasted to hit 99°F (37°C), surpassing the previous high of 96°F.
Many matches are being played during the hottest parts of the day, with kickoffs scheduled at noon or 3 p.m. local time.
Heat Affects Games and Travel
- PSG manager Luis Enrique said the noon kickoff in Los Angeles was tough for the players. “The time slot is great for European audiences, but the teams are suffering,” he said.
- Borussia Dortmund substitutes watched the first half of their game against Mamelodi Sundowns in Cincinnati from the dressing room to avoid the heat.
- In Charlotte, Bayern Munich also stayed in the shade during their group stage finale against Benfica.
Games Today Under Extreme Heat
- Benfica vs. Bayern Munich – Charlotte, NC
- Kickoff: 3 p.m. ET
- High Temperature: 98°F (36.7°C)
- Feels Like: 106°F (41.1°C)
- The game takes place at Bank of America Stadium, an open NFL venue that will expose both players and fans to the intense sun.
- Auckland City vs. Boca Juniors – Nashville, TN
- Kickoff: 3 p.m. ET (2 p.m. CT)
- High Temperature: 96°F (35.6°C)
- Feels Like: 104°F (40°C)
- GEODIS Park, a soccer-specific venue, will offer little relief from the heat.
- Esperance de Tunis vs. Chelsea – Philadelphia, PA
- Kickoff: 9 p.m. ET
- High Temperature: 100°F (37.8°C)
- Feels Like: 104°F (40°C)
- The game will take place at Lincoln Financial Field, which is almost entirely exposed to the sun.
- LAFC vs. Flamengo – Orlando, FL
- Kickoff: 9 p.m. ET
- High Temperature: 91°F (32.8°C)
- Feels Like: 95°F (34.4°C)
- Surprisingly, this will be the coolest match of the day, with temperatures expected to cool into the mid-80s by kickoff.
Upcoming Games Under Extreme Conditions
- Mamelodi Sundowns vs. Fluminense – Miami, FL
- Kickoff: 3 p.m. ET
- High Temperature: 85°F (29.4°C)
- Borussia Dortmund vs. Ulsan – Cincinnati, OH
- Kickoff: 3 p.m. ET
- High Temperature: 93°F (33.9°C)
- Inter vs. River Plate – Seattle, WA
- Kickoff: 9 p.m. ET (6 p.m. PT)
- High Temperature: 67°F (19.4°C)
- Urawa Red Diamonds vs. Monterrey – Los Angeles, CA
- Kickoff: 9 p.m. ET (6 p.m. PT)
- High Temperature: 80°F (26.7°C)
How the Heat Affects Players and Fans
The extreme heat has raised concerns about player safety, with players being provided with cooling breaks to stay hydrated and avoid injury. Despite these measures, there are worries that the extreme conditions could still be dangerous for everyone involved.
